LONDON (REUTERS) - Son Heung-min proved there is life at Tottenham Hotspur without Harry Kane as his goal earned the North London club a surprise 1-0 win over champions Manchester City in an absorbing Premier League opener on Sunday (Aug 15).
All the talk beforehand was whether Tottenham's talisman Kane, strongly linked with a move to City, would be involved.
The England skipper was left out of the squad, having only just returned to training, but it was his usual strike partner Son who gave Tottenham's new manager Nuno Espirito Santo a perfect start to his reign.
"It was good I think. The atmosphere was special off the hard work of the boys. They make any crowd proud when they work so hard," Espirito Santo, who enjoyed a third Premier League win over City boss Pep Guardiola, said.
"It was strong. We were lucky because they had chances but the boys held on and they stayed in the game. We knew it would be tough. After that first 20 minutes, we did better and we started getting our chances.
"I'm sure that with commitment and the talent we have, we will be a good team. We are in the process of that. I am learning every day and I am very proud of them today."
Tottenham were a constant threat on the counter-attack against a City side boasting new 100 million pounds (S$187 million) signing Jack Grealish and it was from one such raid from deep in the 55th minute that Son beat City 'keeper Ederson with a clinical finish.
City enjoyed the lion's share of possession but their best chance came early on when Riyad Mahrez sliced wide.
City have now lost all four games they have played at Tottenham's new stadium without scoring, including three in the Premier League.
"Spurs are a tough rival for us, always I have the feeling that we are good here but we cannot get results because they punish you in transitions," Guardiola said.
"Most of the players have 90 minutes in the legs, we have a long week to prepare to face Norwich and hopefully the players can come back step by step.
"I see very very good things. I know the result is not good but I saw many many good things that will help us in the future to get better."
