WHERE’D WE BE WITHOUT YOU, SON?

Battery-powered forward is our Messi, says Pochettino as Spurs go second

THE dogged refusal to accept one point when three might still be available is not a characteristic readily applied to Tottenham over the years but if one man personifies this never- say- die spirit it is Son Heung-min.

Even on a day when Son was subdued and well shackled for long periods by Newcastle’ s excellent defensive unit, it was highly appropriate the Korean should spring up to deliver the late winner.

It was his ninth goal in 10 appearances for Spurs and it came with an assist from Fernando Llorente, who fought the ball down and laid it off.

And it really ought to have been saved by Martin Dubravka but this did not mute the celebrations at Wembley or the adulation for Son, who returned last weekend from international duty in the Asian Cup.

‘He never gives up ,’ said Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. ‘Sonny is like a battery, he just keeps going and gives you everything until he is exhausted.

‘Always working, always trying and always pushing. The same with or without the ball, so regular and consistent. Always moving to be in the best position, always giving options.

‘Like with Lionel Messi, it is not only about the distance he covers or the pace or the power, it’s the quality of the run and how you affect the game.’

Spurs moved into second, above Manchester City, who face Arsenal today, and within four points of leaders Liverpool, who play at West Ham tomorrow.

In the title race or not, the pressure is applied and they can finally retreat and take a breather with no midweek game.

Pochettino gave his players two days off — to recharge batteries perhaps — before they plan for Leicester next Sunday.

It has been an arduous schedule on four fronts since the start of December and they are without the goals of Harry Kane and Dele Alli but Tottenham keep producing late winners in the Premier League.

Harry Winks turned one point into three with the last kick of the game at Fulham and Llorente clinched victory against Watford with a goal in the 88th minute.

This time it was Son as Pochettino’s team set anew Premier League record of 29 games without a draw and left Rafa Benitez a little deflated at the end of an encouraging week on Tyneside.

Benitez was within minutes of adding a precious point to the three his team won against champions Manchester City on Tuesday. Tottenham dominated possession but found it hard to make a breakthrough.

Newcastle, defending deep, were tight and well-organised at t he back. Lucas Moura, who started at centre- forward for Spurs, missed a wonderful chance to soothe nerves when he headed wide early in the game and Erik Lamela headed against the bar.

The only effort on target in the first half was a volley by Moussa Sissoko, who was enthusiastically jeered by the away fans who have not forgotten the manner of his exit for Spurs in 2016. The French midfielder’s effort was beaten out by Dubravka.

Newcastle’s £20 million recordsigning Miguel Almiron was unavailable as he awaited his visa but Antonio Barreca, signed on loan from Monaco, made his debut from the bench.

The visitors, however, grew in confidence as half-time approached and enjoyed their clearest chances soon after the interval.

Salomon Rondon headed against a post, climbing above Toby Alderweireld to reach a cross from DeAndre Yedlin, and Hugo Lloris made a flying save to push wide a long-range effort by Ayoze Perez. Tottenham became more threatening once Pochettino had replaced Moura with Llorente on the hour, not least because the tactical switch released Son to drift inside and get on the ball in more dangerous areas.

Still Newcastle defended courageously. Fabian Schar made an athletic clearance when Son’s diving header glanced a corner towards goal. It looked like his clever flick would prove enough to find the net. Dubravka was beaten but Schar hooked the ball out before it had crossed the line.

Matt Ritchie made another vital clearance from his own goal line to frustrate Christian Eriksen.

Llorente then made a hash of his first chance. He claimed the low sun had interfered with his vision as he lost the flight of a deep pass from Eriksen and headed the ball over the bar.

It looked like Tottenham were heading for their first draw of the season but their persistence was eventually rewarded. Llorente fought down a long ball and slipped it to Son, who shifted it on to his right foot and beat Dubravka from 20 yards.

Newcastle’ s bleak run at Wembley goes on. They have lost eight in a row since 1955. What would Benitez have given for a draw? But Spurs, it seems, have forgotten how to draw.