Son, Kane lead Tottenham to 5-2 win

SOUTHAMPTON, September 20

Son Heung-min scored four goals set up by Harry Kane as Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal down to overwhelm Southampton 5-2 today and earn their first Premier League win of the season. In an action-packed first half at St Mary’s, both sides had a goal ruled out by VAR before Danny Ings finished well from a tight angle in the 32nd minute to put Southampton ahead.

The hosts deserved their lead and had chances to add a second before Son, with Spurs’ first shot at goal, latched onto a fine first-time pass from Kane before equalising in first-half stoppage time. That same combination unlocked the hosts two minutes after the break, with Son taking advantage of a high Saints defensive line before racing clear to score.

Son’s first Premier League hat-trick was completed in the 64th minute before Kane set him up again with a sublime pass 17 minutes from time. It was the first time one player has assisted another’s Premier League hat-trick since 2003, when Thierry Henry set up Freddie Ljungberg’s treble for Arsenal against Sunderland.

Kane himself completed the rout with a close-range finish before Ings grabbed a late Southampton consolation from the penalty spot.

The scoreline flattered Tottenham, who only had five shots on target — two less than Southampton — but their clinical finishing made all the difference.

Man U make dismal start

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign began in faltering fashion as a double from their former player Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a 3-1 win at Old Trafford yesterday but Arsenal and Everton made it two wins from two.

Arsenal laboured to a 2-1 victory over West Ham United, while Everton crushed newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion 5-2 with a hat-trick by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and a first goal in an Everton shirt for new signing James Rodriguez.

Leeds United, back in the top flight after a 16-year absence, claimed their first points of the season as they were involved in a seven-goal thriller for the second week running. After losing at champions Liverpool 4-3 on the opening day, they beat Fulham by the same scoreline for their first Premier League win since April 2004. — Reuters

Bale eager to work with Mourinho

Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale is relishing the opportunity to work with manager Jose Mourinho. Bale completed a loan move from Spanish champions Real Madrid back to his former club Spurs yesterday, ending a seven-year stay at the Bernabeu. “He’s spoken to me about a few positions that he would like me to play and obviously I’m happy with that,” Bale, 31, said. “He was a big reason for me coming back, he’s a household name and a winner. He’s the perfect fit for Tottenham.” reuters