Spurs sink Slavia Prague to boost last-16 bid in front of Son
Tottenham strengthened their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stage by securing a comfortable 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague, with their ex-player Son Heung-min observing from the crowd on Tuesday evening.
While the South Korean striker viewed the action from the stands, Thomas Franks team claimed a crucial triumph in north London, courtesy of an own goal by David Zima before the break and spot-kick conversions from Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons in the second half.
Following their important Premier League success against Brentford at the weekend, Tottenham notched back-to-back home triumphs, which helped alleviate some strain on Frank during a challenging period.
The team now sits in ninth position in the league stage, with upcoming fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt scheduled for January. The leading eight sides advance directly to the last 16, while those from ninth to 24th enter the playoffs.
"Delighted with the result. We hold a solid spot for advancement," Frank commented.
"I appreciated many aspects of our display, yet I believe we can improve further ahead and maintain greater dominance, considering we played four matches in a short span."
The evening carried plenty of sentiment at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking Sons formal farewell since his transfer to Los Angeles FC in the summer.
During his Spurs tenure, Son netted 173 times across 454 appearances and led the side to Europa League glory over Manchester United last term, halting a 17-year wait for silverware.
Shortly after a mural honouring him appeared on Tottenham High Road that day, the 33-year-old spoke to the adoring supporters prior to the start and received a commemorative item amid a touching pitchside presentation.
"Nice to have him back. Pleased by the fitting welcome he received. He is a genuine Spurs icon coming home," Frank added.
Spurs start quickly
The fans were still chanting for Son when Tottenham almost struck first just 36 seconds in.
Wilson Odobert outpaced David Doudera before finding Richarlison, whose immediate effort was blocked over the bar by Slavia custodian Jindrich Stanek.
Despite struggling to find the net in four of their last five outings, Slavia nearly responded through Lukas Provods powerful half-volley attempt.
Tottenham encountered a setback as defender Micky van de Ven picked up a yellow card for dissent, meaning he will miss the key Dortmund encounter next month.
Nevertheless, Franks squad opened the scoring on 26 minutes after Pedro Porros delivery from a corner was nodded onward by Cristian Romero, allowing Zima to unfortunately direct it into his own goal, marking Tottenhams 100th Champions League strike.
The hosts extended their advantage early in the second half at the 48-minute mark when Porro was upended by Youssoupha Sanyangs rash challenge.
Richarlison, who had earlier blazed over a penalty versus Copenhagen this campaign, appeared ready to step up until skipper Romero intervened, paving the way for Kudus to calmly slot home his third for the club.
Frank brought on Mathys Tel this week after the team registered the attacker as a Champions League replacement for the sidelined Dominic Solanke.
Tels initial contribution saw him force a stop from Stanek, who then excelled again to deny Pape Sarrs rebound effort.
The gifted Simons could step into the gap Son left behind, and the Dutchman sealed the win from 12 yards in the 79th minute following a challenge by Igoh Ogbu.