Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has returned. However, the team has recorded a dishonorable achievement.

Tottenham faced Crystal Palace in the 36th round of the 2024-2025 season English Premier League (EPL) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 11th (Korean time), losing 0-2.

As a result of this match, Tottenham (11 wins, 5 draws, 20 losses, 38 points) has fallen to 17th place. While they have already secured their status in the league regardless of the remaining match results, it is true that the ranking is a blow to their pride. Palace (12 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses, 49 points) is in 12th place.

Tottenham, having suffered 20 losses this season in the EPL, has set a dishonorable record for the most losses in a single season since the EPL's inception in 1992. This surpasses the 19 losses recorded in the 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 seasons.

Tottenham is focusing more on winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL) than the EPL. They are in the finals. They will compete for the trophy against Manchester United on the 22nd. The league has effectively taken a back seat.

Tottenham deployed a 4-3-3 formation. They activated the rotation. Tel, Kulusevski, and Odobert were tasked with leading the attack. In the midfield, Sar, Bentancur, and Gray positioned themselves. The defense was made up of Spence, Davies, Danso, and Poro. The goalkeeper was Kinski.

Palace faced off in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Mateta was positioned at the front. Sar and Eze played in the second line. In the third line were Muñoz, Hughes, Lerma, and Mitchell. The defense consisted of Lataz, Lacroix, and Gehi. The goalkeeper was Henderson.

Palace struck first against Tottenham's net. In the 8th minute of the first half, Sar made contact with a ball coming in from the side, sending it into Tottenham's goal, but it was disallowed for offside. Palace was disappointed, while Tottenham breathed a sigh of relief.

Tottenham also moved diligently. In the 12th minute of the first half, Kulusevski dribbled into the Palace box from the right side and attempted a shot looking to the opposite side. However, the defense cleared the ball just in time.

Tottenham brought out a substitution early. In the 15th minute of the first half, Kulusevski fell due to a tackle from an opponent. He lay on the ground for a while. Although he seemed to signal that he was 'okay' and attempted to return to play, he was ultimately substituted for Moore four minutes later.

Palace missed a chance for the opening goal. In the 24th minute of the first half, from a corner kick opportunity, Mateta connected with a teammate's short header pass into a powerful shot. However, it was stopped by a super save. Three minutes later, Muñoz dribbled fiercely into the box during a counterattack and attempted a strong shot, which hit the goal post.

Tottenham's attack lacked power. Palace continued to shake Tottenham. In the 41st minute of the first half, Eze fired a decisive long-range shot. This deflected off Tottenham's Danso, leading to a corner kick for Palace.

During this corner kick, Tottenham's net shook, but a handball by Gehi resulted in the goal not being counted.

Palace finally scored the opening goal in the 45th minute of the first half. The Tottenham defense line was broken through in just two passes. Eze, who was rapidly approaching the goal from the left side, calmly converted a low, fast pass from the opposite side into an inside shot to score.

The first half concluded with Palace leading 1-0.

Tottenham substituted Bissouma for Bentancur at the start of the second half.

Palace made it 2-0 just two minutes into the second half. This time, the scorer was Eze. With just one horizontal pass, the Tottenham defense line was completely torn apart, and he again scored with an inside shot.

Trailing 0-2, Tottenham substituted the returning Son Heung-min in the 13th minute of the second half. Poro was taken off. Tottenham fans welcomed Son Heung-min with applause that resonated through the broadcast screen.

Palace aimed for the sealing goal. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Sar connected with a cross coming in from the left side with his head. It hit the goal post.

Tottenham also aimed for a gap in Palace's defense. In the 25th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min attempted a surprise shot from the left side of the box, looking to the opposite side. It was deflected by a defender. Before that, an offside was also called. In the 28th minute, he took a free-kick, which again failed to result in a goal due to the defense.

Son Heung-min struggled. In the 44th minute of the second half, after receiving a through pass, he shot from the left side of the box, but it was once again blocked by the defense.

After that, Tottenham failed to create any notable attacking plays.

The match ended in a 0-2 defeat for Tottenham.

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