Son Heung-min Reveals What He Told the Referee at Half-Time as Tottenham Fall 2-1 to Arsenal in North London Derby
In a dramatic North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a comeback marked by crucial turning points. Despite Tottenham taking the lead through Son Heung-min, Arsenal responded with an own goal by Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke and a stunning finish by Leandro Trossard. After the match, Son revealed details of a half-time conversation with the referee, which has since ignited debate among fans.
Match Recap
Tottenham started strongly and took the lead in the 25th minute. Son Heung-min displayed his trademark composure, finishing off a precise pass from James Maddison to give Spurs the early advantage. The away supporters erupted in celebration as Tottenham looked poised to take control.
Arsenal, however, rallied late in the first half. In the 40th minute, Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to meet a corner, and his header was inadvertently turned into the Tottenham net by Dominic Solanke, leveling the score.
The Gunners struck again just four minutes later. Martin Ødegaard showcased his playmaking brilliance, threading a perfect assist to Leandro Trossard. The Belgian forward unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Guglielmo Vicario, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead before the break.
Despite Tottenham pushing hard in the second half, Arsenal’s defense, led by the impressive Gabriel and goalkeeper David Raya, stood firm. Raya made crucial saves to deny Maddison and Son, ensuring Arsenal claimed all three points.
Son’s Half-Time Conversation with the Referee
After the game, Son shared insights into a key moment during the interval.
“I spoke to the referee because we felt some of the decisions in the first half weren’t consistent,” Son explained. “It’s a derby, and emotions are high, but there were some challenges that went unpunished for them while similar ones were given against us. I just asked for fairness in the second half.”
Son’s comments likely referred to several contentious moments, including a physical challenge on Yves Bissouma that wasn’t penalized and the free-kick that led to Arsenal’s equalizer.
Fan Reactions
Son’s remarks sparked debate among fans. Many Tottenham supporters sympathized with their captain, believing the referee’s decisions affected the outcome.
“Son is absolutely right. The referee’s inconsistency cost us momentum,” one Spurs fan wrote on Twitter. “That free-kick was soft, and it led directly to their equalizer.”
Arsenal fans, however, dismissed the complaints as frustration from a losing side. “Spurs need to focus on their mistakes,” an Arsenal supporter responded. “They gave away two goals—how is that the referee’s fault?”
Pundit Analysis
Pundits were also divided on the game. Former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe sided with Son, saying, “In big games like this, small decisions matter. Son showed leadership by speaking up, and I think he has a point about some of the calls.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Ian Wright praised the Gunners for their resilience. “To win without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus shows Arsenal’s depth and determination,” Wright said. “Dominic Solanke’s own goal was unfortunate, but that’s football. Arsenal deserved it.”
What’s Next?
Tottenham will look to bounce back in their next Premier League fixture as they aim to solidify their position in the table under Ange Postecoglou. Despite the loss, there were positives to take from the game, particularly Son’s leadership and Maddison’s creativity.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will take confidence from the win as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title. The victory, achieved without key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, highlights the squad’s depth and determination.
As the dust settles, fans will continue to debate the officiating and Son’s comments, but one thing is certain: the North London Derby remains one of football’s most gripping rivalries.
