5 things Tottenham learned in their 3-1 victory at West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min applauds the fans following the English League Cup football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on October 31, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min celebrates scoring his side’s second goal of the game during the Carabao Cup, Fourth Round match at the London Stadium. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) /

2. Son needed the rest

It’s a safe bet that Heung-Min Son wasn’t happy to be left out of the mix against Manchester City on Monday. He’s clearly one of Tottenham’s most talented goal scorers and they were shutout against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The upside to resting him against City is that he was fresh as a daisy to play at West Ham. He finally looked like he had his legs under him after a taxing summer of football for South Korea. The result was a splendid two goal performance against the Hammers.

It’s important for Pochettino to understand that he can give Harry Kane an occasional rest. Leaving him entirely out of the squad in this match did represent a calculated gamble. It paid off because of Son’s ability to carry the attack in his absence.

Son will get plenty of chances to play alongside Kane as the season progresses, but this was an important match for him to remind his manager of what he’s capable of when he plays on his own. With all due respect to Fernando Llorente, Son was the trigger man for Spurs on Wednesday. His efforts are why Tottenham advanced in the competition.

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