Once again, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to be in a position of watching someone else's celebration. With Liverpool's league championship approaching, Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) may once again witness the opposing team's victory ceremony, following the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.
Liverpool recorded 79 points, solidifying their lead in the league, with a 1-0 victory in the away match against Leicester City in the Premier League round 33 on the 21st (Korean time).
Arsenal drew 2-2 in their home match against Crystal Palace on the 24th, increasing the point gap between the two teams to 12. The remaining matches are 4 for Arsenal and 5 for Liverpool. Liverpool can secure the championship with just 1 more point.
Liverpool will face Tottenham in round 34 at Anfield on the 28th. A draw in this match would allow Liverpool to reach 80 points, confirming their victory independently. Currently, Tottenham is struggling with 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses in their last 7 league matches, and as they are also in the semifinal schedule of the UEFA Europa League, there is a possibility of some rotation.
Unfortunately, this may be a familiar scene for Son Heung-min. In the Champions League final of the 2018-2019 season, Tottenham lost 0-2 to Liverpool, and Son had to swallow his disappointment while watching the victory ceremony. The moment when manager Jürgen Klopp kindly comforted Son, who was in tears, remains vividly in the memories of football fans.
In the 2020-2021 season, Tottenham lost to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final. At that time, Son said before the final, "It's not a moment to be proud of yet. If we lose in the final, both the players and the fans will be upset," and expressed his strong desire for victory by saying, "Everyone wants to win. I especially want to bring a trophy for the fans."
Son Heung-min's earnest wish did not come true. Tottenham lost 0-1, and Son ultimately shed tears. The moment when his former teammate Gareth Bale approached and patted him on the shoulder is still remembered by many.
Once again, it is highly likely that Son Heung-min will not participate. Due to the effects of a foot injury, he is expected to be excluded from the lineup for the Liverpool match. Even if he cannot play on the field, he may once again face the scene of the opposing team lifting the championship trophy.
Tottenham is performing well on the European stage by advancing to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League this season, but they are still unable to prove their status as a strong team in the league. While Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal are competing as championship contenders, Tottenham is projected to be in a poor 16th place, close to the relegation zone, watching the 'party of others.'
Tottenham is increasingly moving away from the term "championship competition." At this point, which may be Son Heung-min's last chance for a championship in his career, the moment of witnessing another team's victory being decided is approaching once again.
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