Once again, Tottenham Hotspur is destined to watch the 'celebration of others.' With Liverpool's early league title confirmation imminent, Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) faces the possibility of witnessing another opponent's championship ceremony.
Liverpool secured 79 points by defeating Leicester City 1-0 on the 21st (Korean time) in the 33rd round of the Premier League, solidifying their position at the top.
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace on the 24th, increasing the point difference between the two teams to 12. Remaining matches include 4 for Arsenal and 5 for Liverpool. If Liverpool adds just 1 point, they will confirm their early title.
Liverpool will play Tottenham in the 34th round of the Premier League at Anfield on the 28th. Even a draw will see them reach 80 points and become league champions. Tottenham faces a dismal record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses in their last 7 matches, with rotation possibilities mentioned due to their concurrent run in the UEFA Europa League semifinals.
Tottenham has lost motivation in the league schedule. While they have secured their escape from relegation, participation in European competitions is virtually out of reach. Adding points holds little significance in this situation. The only way Tottenham can qualify for the Champions League is by winning the Europa League, so they are focusing more on the Europa League than the league.
This scene is not unfamiliar to Son Heung-min. In the 2018-2019 Champions League final, Tottenham lost to Liverpool 0-2, and Son had to watch blankly as the Liverpool players lifted the trophy. The moment when manager Jürgen Klopp warmly hugged Son to comfort him remains etched in fans' memories.
Son's dreams were crushed again in the 2020-2021 Carabao Cup final. After losing 0-1 to Manchester City, Son ended up shedding tears, and the moment when his then-teammate Gareth Bale approached him, tapping his shoulder to console him, was also captured by the broadcast camera.
A similar scenario is expected this time. Due to the lingering effects of a foot injury, Son's participation in the match against Liverpool is in doubt. Even if he does not get to step on the field, he may have to watch Liverpool's championship ceremony from the bench or stands.
Tottenham has saved face in European competitions with a spot in the Europa League semifinals, but they have fallen out of contention for the upper ranks in the Premier League. While Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City engage in a fierce title race, Tottenham is barely surviving at the lower end.
The word 'championship' is becoming increasingly unfamiliar to Tottenham. For Son Heung-min, this season may practically be his last challenge for the title, making it painfully poignant to once again witness the celebration of others.
[OSEN]