Son scores twice as Tottenham survive scare in Hoffenheim win
Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a much-needed Europa League win at Hoffenheim to put them in a strong position to qualify automatically for the knockout stage.
Spurs have struggled domestically in a difficult season and Sunday's defeat at Everton left them 15th in the Premier League.
But Thursday's trip to Germany provided welcome respite, with Son's double and an early James Maddison strike securing a victory that moved them up to fourth in the league phase of the Europa League, before the evening kick-offs.
Spurs looked purposeful from the outset and opened the scoring after just four minutes to settle the travelling fans' nerves when Pedro Porro played a great ball for Maddison, who controlled before driving it into the roof of the net.
The visitors doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Son raced into the box, his shot deflected off Pavel Kaderabek and looped over goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Brandon Austin, making just his second start in goal for Spurs, needed to be alert to prevent Hoffenheim pulling one back when he pushed away Tom Bischof's strike.
The hosts came out fighting in the second half, and Spurs' relief of a penalty decision against them being overturned was swiftly ended when Anton Stach flicked in following a counter-attack.
The goal will have prompted concerns that Tottenham, who have been vulnerable under pressure of late, would capitulate - until Son fizzed a fine strike into the far corner to restore their two-goal advantage.
But David Mokwa's header two minutes from time meant Spurs fans could not rest easy until the final whistle was blown.
Tottenham host Elfsborg in their final league phase game next Thursday when a win will likely secure a top-eight spot and send them into the knockout stage.
A win to build on, but fragility still there
Pressure has been mounting on Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou after a dreadful run of form in the Premier League which has plunged them towards the relegation places.
Just one win in their past nine league games left Spurs eight points above the bottom three, but cup competitions have the potential to save their season.
They are in the FA Cup, won their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool this month, and are now among the favourites to go far in this season's Europa League.
Spurs' poor form does come with the caveat of having had a terrible injury list to contend with - travelling to Hoffenheim with 14 first-team players missing.
Given that, this was an encouraging display as goalkeeper Austin impressed once again in just his second start, while Maddison and Son led well from the front.
It was not a perfect performance by any means. Spurs were poor in the second half, and when Hoffenheim upped the pressure the visitors showed signs of the fragility that has seen them throw games away.
But this time Son's second goal proved enough to get Tottenham over the line, and within touching distance of a place in the knockout phase.
Source: BBC Sport
