Son penalty puts Tottenham in FA Cup fifth round

As in the 2-0 Premier League win against Manchester City last weekend, Jose Mourinho’s side was often outplayed but showed character to set up a home tie with Norwich City. South Korean Son has often been the go-to player when lead striker Harry Kane is injured and again he stepped up to convert in the 87th minute after being taken down by keeper Angus Gunn in a frenetic finale.

Son’s conversion was his 11th goal in the FA Cup since the start of the 2016-17 season — more than any other player. It was tough on Southampton which deserved more, according to Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.

“I have to be honest. I think the best team on the pitch lost. But my team was the one with more heart and went to its limit,” said the Portuguese, whose one FA Cup triumph came with Chelsea in 2007. “We had so many difficulties to build the team. My team deserved to win, but the best team lost,” added the gaffer.

Southampton played nearly all the football after unluckily falling behind in the 12th minute. Jack Stephens attempted to block Tanguy N’dombele’s off-target shot but only deflected it past a helpless Gunn. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side responded in dynamic fashion with Danny Ings smashing a shot against the bar after 18 minutes. It did level after 34 minutes when Shane Long netted from close range. Spurs custodian Hugo Lloris parried the ball into his path after a low shot by Nathan Redmond. James Ward-Prowse was carried off five minutes before half-time with a knee injury but Southampton dominated possession after the break.

With both sides throwing caution to the wind in search of victory, it was the away side which appeared to be heading through. A superb forward foray by Redmond ended with Ings cutting in and slotting a clinical shot past Lloris. Roared on by the home crowd, Tottenham drew level when Moura danced through the Southampton defence and fired a low shot into the corner.

With extra time beckoning, Dele Alli played in Son, who dummied Gunn but tumbled under minimal contact. A short Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check confirmed the penalty and Son coolly dispatched the spot-kick.