TOTTENHAM star Son Heung-min has spoken of his disappointment at being taken off during the North London derby win against Arsenal.
The 29-year-old scored just after half-time in the 3-0 victory against the Gunners to bring up 21 Premier League goals for the season.
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He now trails Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah by just one goal in the race to win the Golden Boot.
But despite Arsenal down to ten-men and struggling to deal with the South Korea international and Harry Kane, Antonio Conte made the decision to bring Son off in the 72nd minute.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen forward looked devastated as he walked off the pitch, with the player having to be consoled by Conte.
Son, who starred as Spurs closed the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal to just a point, has declared that Conte took him off as a precaution ahead of Sunday’s clash against Burnley.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: “I want to play always but it is the manager’s decision. I need to accept that.
“He said we have an important game on Sunday so not a big deal. I am not angry just disappointed because I came off but I move on.
“I just want to keep playing. There is no such thing as 100 per cent chances to get goals, they were one man down but I just want to play.
“We have a big game on Sunday and we need to be fresh to help the team.”
Son was elbowed by Rob Holding in the first half, with the defender shown a second yellow card over the foul.
Commenting on the red card, Son said: “I couldn’t see because I was down! I was running into space and he blocked the run.
“The ball is coming or not it was a dangerous challenge for me.
“We have VAR so if there was no yellow card VAR checks it but for me it was a clear foul.”
