Antonio Conte described Tottenham’s Champions League qualification as “winning a trophy” after his side swept aside hapless Norwich to take advantage of Arsenal’s recent capitulation.
Tottenham were in disarray when Conte was appointed in November but he initiated a transformation to take the team into the top four. Finishing eighth in February, a streak of nine wins in the last 11 games sealed north London swagger and her place at the top of European football next season.
Conte, who won the Premier League with Chelsea five years ago, said: “For me it’s a trophy and I’m very happy. I haven’t won a trophy this season like in the past but to be honest to see the path since November in a difficult situation with a team struggling a lot in a difficult league I think for one to get first place in the Champions League I have to consider that a really big achievement for me and the club.”
Playing with swagger, Spurs were in no mood to sit back despite needing just one point and their early pressure was rewarded with Dejan Kulusevski’s opener. Harry Kane benefited from a terrible defensive error before the break while cheering Tottenham fans basked in the sunshine.
The superb Kulusevski scored a superb third goal before Son Heung-min’s persistence paid off with two quick shots to share the Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah after scoring 23 goals this season.
Conte said: “He scored two goals and could score more but at the same time I want to underline the team’s great effort for Son. I really appreciate the will and desire of his teammates to help him become the top scorer. That means there is a great atmosphere in the dressing room.”
The first warning for Norwich should have resulted in the opening goal after Kulusevski charged forward down the right flank, but his pass was wasted when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg smacked the ball over the bar. Kane got his first goal sight but the England captain’s low shot floated straight into Tim Krul’s arms.
Spurs’ early dominance continued, Norwich failed to clear and Kane’s powerful drive from a tight angle was blocked by Krul. The breakthrough finally came when Højbjerg threw a ball over the static defense and Rodrigo Bentancur Kulusevski hit it for a low finish. It was a statement of intent from Spurs and the start of a very long afternoon for Norwich’s long-suffering supporters.
Son Heung-min scores Tottenham’s fourth goal at Carrow Road. Photo: Joe Giddens/PAAn easy pass from Eric Dier created a rare chance for the hosts mid-half, but Milot Rashica was unable to capitalize after his low shot shot wide of the near post of Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham received a second goal when Krul failed to process Jacob Sørensen’s back pass and passed the ball to Bentancur. The midfielder provided his second assist when Kane’s pinpoint cross headed home for his 17th league goal.
Son got his first sight of the second half after being set up by Kane, but his shot was blocked by Krul. The pair combined again with a Kane cross for the South Korean, whose close-range shot was expertly saved by Krul.
This developed into a crusade by Tottenham to provide Son the needed goal but Kulusevski uncharacteristically shook up his lines as he rounded the keeper and disinterestedly attempted to play his top scorer but his wrong pass was erased.
Kulusevski went for the more direct approach shortly after and it paid off well as he slashed in from the right and circled a superior shot past Krul’s desperate leap.
Norwich, who were booed by their dejected fans during the post-match round, were desperately lacking in inspiration and Dean Smith described their last-day punches as “painful”.
The sad hosts were denied a shot on goal as they succumbed to their 26th defeat in a miserable season.
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Son was thwarted again by the busy Krul, but not for long – he brought in the finish after Lucas Moura’s delicious flick from a Kane pass.
Knowing this was a huge opportunity against a demoralized team, Son fired a 25-yard shot into the far corner to spark euphoric scenes in front of Spurs fans after they ended their loss.