Premier League: Mourinho reaches 200 wins, Son clashes with Lloris
CGTN

Jose Mourinho claimed his 200th Premier League victory after Tottenham Hotspur defeated Everton 1-0 on Monday.

The match was also marked by a physical altercation between Tottenham teammates Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min that was described by Mourinho as "beautiful."

As Son walked towards the tunnel at half-time, France goalkeeper Lloris confronted the South Korea forward, shouting at him and shoving his shoulder.

The usually placid Son responded angrily and the pair had to be kept apart by teammates Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko as the altercation threatened to boil over.

Lloris was irked by Son's failure to close down a loose ball in midfield moments before Everton threatened through Richarlison.

Lloris insisted that he made peace with Son post-game, and the two were seen sharing a warm hug.

"It just belongs to the changing room. Outside you can say whatever you want. What happened is just part of football sometimes," Lloris said.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (L), midfielder Lucas Moura (C) and striker Son Heung-Min shake hands after winning the Premier League match against Everton in London, July 6, 2020. /VCG

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (L), midfielder Lucas Moura (C) and striker Son Heung-Min shake hands after winning the Premier League match against Everton in London, July 6, 2020. /VCG

Tottenham claimed victory thanks to some sheer luck, when Everton defender Michael Keane deflected in Giovani Lo Celso's shot.

This win retained Tottenham's hopes of a seat in the Europa League next year, as they now rank eighth on the league's chart, four points short of six-placed Wolves. Everton are 11th.

Tottenham suffered a limp 3-1 defeat last Thursday at Sheffield United, after which Mourinho questioned the desire of his players and asked them to "demand more from each other."

He saw the confrontation between Son and Lloris in that context.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Jose Mourinho, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, during the Premier League match against Everton in London, July 6, 2020. /VCG)