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Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy says Son’s missed chance was key in Monaco defeat

Danny Murphy atTottenham Hotspur (Reuters)
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The South Korean missed a great chance early on v Monaco.

Danny Murphy atTottenham HotspurDanny Murphy atTottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur’s first foray into the Champions League this season ended up in a disappointing defeat for the club. They were turned over 2-1 by Monaco at Wembley in a game that could have gone either way.

For former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy there was one key moment that could have changed everything.

Early in the game, with the score 0-0, South Korean winger Heung-min Son found himself in on goal, but his effort was tame and he should have done better with the chance.

Tottenham's Son Heung-min in action with Monaco's Andrea RaggiTottenham’s Son Heung-min in action with Monaco’s Andrea Raggi

As far as Murphy was concerned, if that had gone in Spurs would have been home and dry.

He told talkSPORT yesterday (15/09/16):

“(Gerard) Houllier used to say this all the time, the small details.

“When Son is one-on-one with the keeper and the lad clears it off the line because he doesn’t quite connect properly, he doesn’t quite have the conviction in the finish. If Spurs go 1-0 up when they are on top they are cruising that game.

“I didn’t see Monaco would have enough spirit or fight in them to get back in the game.”

Heung-min Son reacts to miss v Honduras in Olympic Games quarter-finalHeung-min Son reacts to miss v Honduras in Olympic Games quarter-final

There is no doubt that if Son had taken that chance than the nerves surrounding Spurs would have lifted immediately and made this a much easier performance.

After his success against Stoke City at the weekend Son should have been full of confidence when the ball came to him in the Monaco box – but he looked low on confidence still.

Spurs fans and Son will just be hoping they do not go on to rue this missed opportunity.