Shearer says he was pleased with Son’s reaction to substitution

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Alan Shearer told Optus Sport that he was pleased with Heung-min Son’s reaction to being substituted during Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with the forward clearly unhappy with Antonio Conte’s decision.

Spurs picked up another impressive win at the weekend. They had to battle their way towards three points, with Harry Kane scoring in either half.

Tottenham were not able to be at their best at the City Ground. But there were a number of reasons why Conte will have been extremely happy with his side.

Obviously, Kane has started the season in fine form. The defence kept another clean sheet. And Richarlison made a stunning cameo after coming off the bench.

But it was not a perfect afternoon for Tottenham. Son’s form continues to be a concern, with the South Korean proving to be the least impressive member of the front three by some distance.

‘Totally understand it’

Son is yet to really get going this term. However, he was clearly not pleased after being replaced by Richarlison with 16 minutes remaining. The 30-year-old was visibly frustrated and gesticulating on the bench.

But Shearer did not mind seeing Son so annoyed.

“I was really interested in Son’s reaction to being substituted,” he told Optus Sport. “I totally understand it and I think that’s a good thing. 

“He’s shown his anger that he doesn’t want to come off because there are still goals at stake and chances and he realises that Richarlison’s not there just to sit on the bench, he wants to be in the game as well. 

“There’s anger because he feels that someone else should come off, take someone else off, not him. I don’t see that as being a problem, I think it’s a good thing. 

“You can see his reaction, he’s just not happy at all and rightly so – ‘take someone else off but not me!’”

Shearer pleased with Son’s reaction

You can completely understand why Son may feel so frustrated right now. It was only a handful of months ago he was lifting the Golden Boot award after an amazing run in front of goal.

His form will turnaround at some stage. He is simply too good to struggle for too long. And Spurs are battling on four fronts again this season.

He is facing a fight from Richarlison for his starting spot. But it would be foolish to write Son off at any stage.