Son Heung-min was obviously Man of the Match in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory at Aston Villa on Saturday.
After all, the South Korea international scored three of Spurs’ four-goal haul to improve their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
But was Son the best player on the pitch at Villa Park? Honestly, probably not.
That accolade deserves to go to Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Winning 4-0 was a very flattering scoreline for the Lilywhites because honestly, Villa were probably the stronger of both outfits – particularly during the first half.
The France international was forced into a number of stunning saves to preserve the visitors’ lead.
Lloris doesn’t often get the credit he deserves, particularly from his manager Antonio Conte.
But the Tottenham head coach was effusive in his praise for the former Lyon stopper – who cost £12 million in 2012 – last night.
Here’s what Conte said about Lloris to BBC Sport: “Hugo was amazing – we are talking about a keeper that has won a World Cup and everything with France, the captain of his national team and us. Important for us because of his experience, today we needed him and he answered very well.”
Lloris is very much of the unsung hero of this Tottenham squad.
He gets criticism from all corners when he messes up – which is very rare these days – but he’s never as quick to receive much credit from supporters or the media when he does something right.
So for Conte to publicly shout him out after his heroics last night, well it’s a nice touch and it’ll build the Frenchman’s confidence.
With seven Premier League games to go, and the North Londoners fourth by three points, the Italian manager needs all of his players at optimium confidence as they bid to get back into the Champions League.
And public shows of affection from the manager will certainly achieve that.
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