It was a long shot for Ange Postecoglou’s men, but four minutes before the end they secured three vital points against table jumbo Luton.
Tahith Chong gave the hosts a dream start to the game after just three minutes. Tottenham dominated the rest of the match, but struggled for a long time to convert scoring chances.
A clumsy own goal by Issa Kaboré gave the lily-whites hope, before captain and talisman Son Heung-min secured all three points with his score four minutes from time.
The victory takes Tottenham up to the long-awaited fourth place which ensured play in next year’s Champions League, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference.
– How is it possible?
Despite Tottenham’s dominance throughout the match, the goal was far away, and it took several more attempts before the ball finally hit the net.
The very biggest opportunity came after 20 minutes played, when Son first hit the post twice, before both Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr had their attempts blocked in the same attack.
– How is it possible that there is no scoring there? Have you looked for any opportunities, exclaimed Viaplay’s commentator Jørgen Klem.
Fifteen minutes from time, the home supporters cheered for a goal as they thought Brennan Johnson had put them in the lead, but television pictures showed the ball was still millimeters away from crossing the line when Alfie Doughty cleared it away.
– It’s over the line! No? No reaction to the referee’s watch, commented a stunned Klem, adding:
– What a drama! What few chances Tottenham have had.
Firm grip on the Champions League place
Four minutes before the end, captain Son was in the right place at the right time when he picked up a loose ball in the field and sent the lily whites into the lead.
The difference of one and three points is huge for Ange Postecoglou’s men.
The win takes them up to 56 points, a point with Aston Villa. The number of games played and the goal difference are also identical, but the London club is ahead in the number of goals scored.
Aston Villa have the opportunity to overtake Tottenham if they take points in their match against Wolverhampton on Saturday.
It will be played at Villa Park at 18:30.