Spurs took the lead inside 25 minutes at Wembley and never looked back against the Potters

Heung-min Son says it was crucial Tottenham Hotspur got an early goal in their 5-1 Premier League victory at home to Stoke City on Saturday.

In previous games this season, Spurs had struggled to break down teams who defended solidly at Wembley.

That wasn’t the case against the Potters, though, with the hosts taking the lead in the 21st minute after Ryan Shawcross turned the ball into his own net.

Further goals followed from Son, Harry Kane (2) and Christian Eriksen, before Shawcross scored in the right net to pull one back for Stoke.

The victory over the Potters was a first victory in five league games for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, and Son believes their fast start was the catalyst.

“It’s difficult because we had a big problem with these teams when they did defence with 10 players and use counterattacks, it’s so difficult,” said the South Korean international.

“We were just saying (beforehand) today the first goal is going to be very important. We were going to press high and make life difficult for them.

“We were lucky to get an own goal, but it was very important to be there and get it.”

Saturday’s win for Tottenham saw them come up against one of their former players, with Kevin Wimmer in defence for Stoke.

During his time with Spurs, Wimmer struck up a good friendship with Son, who was pleased to see his former colleague again.

“I’m really sorry for him because we won 5-1, but he’s still my best friend,” added the 25-year-old.

“I miss him a lot and it was good to see him on the pitch. I was really, really happy to see him again.”

• Additional reporting by Ben Pearce.