Despite not playing at his best this season, Son Heung-min stood up for Tottenham against Hoffenheim on Thursday. His two goals made it less likely that their defensive weakness, which has previously let them down in games, would come back to bother them this time. Son's first goal, which floated over the custodian after deflecting off a defender, had a lot of luck, but his second goal, which came as Tottenham was under growing pressure, was a superb finish.

Tottenham seldom wins with a 2-0 lead, and even if this 3-2 victory was closer than it should have been, the team's massive injury list must be taken into consideration. They presently have 14 players out, so this victory, which puts them in the running for the Europa League knockout stages, could provide them a much-needed foundation on which to grow.