Tag: kane

Conte, Tuchel See Red As Kane Snatches Spurs Draw At Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (R) and Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) shake hands then clash after the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2022. The game finished 2-2. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

 

Harry Kane snatched a 96th-minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for Tottenham from a feisty London derby against Chelsea on Sunday.

Both managers Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were sent off after the full-time whistle for their second physical altercation of the match.

Chelsea looked set to get a new era at Stamford Bridge off to the best possible start as they twice led through Kalidou Koulibaly and Reece James.

Tottenham were well off the level required if they are to live up to hopes of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title but showed the newfound character instilled by Conte to fight back for a point.

The Italian and Tuchel were both booked in the aftermath of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s first equaliser.

Tempers then flared again during a handshake after Kane nodded in with virtually the last action of the game.

Tottenham have still only won once at Stamford Bridge in 32 years in the league, but Conte will be delighted to escape with a share of the spoils against his former club.

READ ALSO: Man Utd Bottom Of Premier League After 4-0 Thrashing By Brentford

New Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly was welcomed by a huge banner from the Chelsea support and saw an early return on the near £170 million ($206 million) investment in the transfer market since he sanctioned a £2.5 billion takeover to buy the club from Roman Abramovich.

Despite the drastic changes in the boardroom, on the field it was like the old times under Abramovich as Chelsea outthought, outplayed, and outmuscled Spurs for the first 45 minutes.

Two of Chelsea’s new signings combined for the opening goal as it was from Marc Cucurella’s corner that Koulibaly found space to volley home.

Conte again resisted the temptation to start any of his six new signings, but it was not until the introduction of Richarlison just before the hour mark and a switch of formation that Tottenham began to threaten.

Kane had a glorious chance to level when he uncharacteristically dragged wide with only Edouard Mendy to beat.

Spurs did level 22 minutes from time in a controversial fashion to light the spark between the two managers.

Kai Havertz looked to be clearly fouled by Rodrigo Bentancur before Tottenham broke forward and the ball eventually fell to Hojbjerg to fire low and hard past Mendy.

Tuchel reacted furiously to the decision and Conte’s overzealous celebration.

The German fought fire with fire as he sprinted down the touchline to celebrate when James thrashed home Raheem Sterling’s pass to restore Chelsea’s lead 13 minutes from time.

However, Kane had the final say as he flicked in Ivan Perisic’s corner deep into added time.

Earlier, Nottingham Forest celebrated their first home game in the Premier League for 23 years by beating West Ham 1-0.

The two-time European champions have made 14 new signings in a bid to maintain their top-flight status and two of those making their home debuts were the stars as Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal and Dean Henderson saved Declan Rice’s penalty.

Forest had fortune on their side as the Hammers also had a first-half goal controversially ruled out and hit the underside of the crossbar twice after the breakthrough Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma.

But that mattered little to a jubilant 30,000 crowd at the City Ground, who revelled in their first three points back in the big time.

AFP

Tottenham Move Temporarily Into Top Four After Burnley Win


Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 15, 2022.
Glyn KIRK / AFP

 

Harry Kane’s penalty moved Tottenham into the Premier League top four as Antonio Conte’s men held their nerve to beat Burnley 1-0 on Sunday.

Spurs move two points ahead of north London rivals Arsenal, who travel to Newcastle on Monday, in the battle for fourth place.

Tottenham still need a slip up from the Gunners to return to the Champions League next season, but upped the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men.

Defeat leaves Burnley outside the relegation zone only on goal difference with two games of the season to go.

READ ALSO: Man City Keep Title Fate In Their Hands Despite West Ham Scare

Buoyed by Thursday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal to keep the race for a place in the Champions League alive, Spurs flew out of the traps.

Kane had a goalbound header cleared off the line by Nathan Collins before Nick Pope produced the first of a string of saves by pounced on his England teammate’s header.

Burnley are only still in the fight for their place in the top flight thanks to a run of 10 points from a possible 12 in the first four games after sacking Sean Dyche.

Defeat at home to Aston Villa last weekend ended that unbeaten run, but there was plenty of encouragement for the Clarets they can do enough to survive in the final week of the season.

Hugo Lloris needed to make a fine save to deny Maxwel Cornet giving the visitors the lead on 27 minutes.

However, a brave Burnley performance was undone by a stroke of misfortune deep into first half stoppage time.

Davinson Sanchez’s flick brushed off the outstretched arm of Ashley Barnes.

There was barely an appeal inside the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in real time, but the incident was picked up by VAR and given after a review.

Kane was deadly as usual from the spot as the England captain converted his 21st consecutive successful penalty.

Son Heung-min’s bid to beat Mohamed Salah to the Premier League Golden Boot was frustrated after the break by Pope.

The South Korean remains one behind Salah’s 22 league goals for the season.

Son’s near post striker was brilliantly turned behind by Pope after a flowing Spurs move.

Pope then instinctively threw up an arm to parry Son’s strike from point-blank range.

The Burnley goalkeeper’s heroics could have salvaged his side a point when Barnes struck the post from long range.

However, they left London empty handed and could end the day in the bottom three if Leeds avoid defeat at home to Brighton.

At the top of the table Manchester City can move to the brink of a fourth title in five years if they win at West Ham.

AFP

Arteta Eyes More ‘Special’ Days After Arsenal Outclassed Tottenham

Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) celebrates their win in the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2021.  Ben STANSALL / AFP

 

Mikel Arteta called on Arsenal to consistently match the “special” levels they showed in blowing Tottenham away in the first-half of a 3-1 win on Sunday to move above their north London rivals in the Premier League table.

Just three weeks ago Spurs sat top and Arsenal bottom after their worst start to a league season for 67 years.

However, the Gunners have been rejuvenated by six summer signings and the return to fitness of a number of key players.

Arsenal struck three times in the opening 35 minutes as Emile Smith Rowe opened the floodgates before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rounded off a brilliant team move and Bukayo Saka rolled home the third.

Son Heung-min pulled a goal back for the visitors 11 minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

“It’s a special day. Today is one example of what we want to do, but we have to be consistent,” said Arteta.

“This win is for the fans. They were there when we needed their support.”

Arsenal climb to 10th ahead of Spurs on goal difference with both sides on nine points from six games.

However, they are going in opposite directions with Tottenham losing their last three league games by a combined score of 9-1.

“We lost complete control in the first half. We got smashed,” said Spurs captain Hugo Lloris.

“When you concede three goals in each of the last three league games you cannot hide the problems.”

The last time the north London derby took place in front of a full crowd, Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino were still in charge of the sides.

Both clubs have had little reason to celebrate in the two years since.

But there are encouraging signs for Arsenal that the decision to invest heavily in youth during the transfer window is beginning to pay off.

The Gunners spent more than any other Premier League club over the summer, investing £150 million in players aged between 21 and 23, despite failing to qualify for European football for the first time in 25 years.

READ ALSO: Football Must Do More To Combat Racism Than The Take Knee – Lukaku

‘Best Day Of My Life’ 


Arsenal’s English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (R) scores their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2021. Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP

 

Four of the new faces started with all 11 of the starting line-up either signed in the two years since Arteta was appointed or handed a contract extension in that time.

Saka and Smith Rowe are two of those to have committed their long-term future to the club where they came through the ranks and were the stars of a first 45 minutes that sent the Emirates into raptures.

“It’s probably the best day of my life,” said Smith Rowe.

The England under-21 international was allowed a huge amount of space to amble into the box and slot home Saka’s cross.

The hosts rampaged through Spurs with ease for a brilliant second goal in a move reminiscent of Arsenal’s glory days under Arsene Wenger.

Aaron Ramsdale, Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney were all involved before Aubameyang flicked a pass through for Smith Rowe to charge in on the Spurs goal and he had the presence to turn back and pick out his captain for a cool finish.

Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) celebrates their win in the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2021. Ben STANSALL / AFP

 

Harry Kane’s day was summed up in his part for the third goal as he found himself back in his own box trying to make a tackle only for the ball to break kindly for Saka to sweep the ball past Lloris.

Kane’s frustrating day continued into the second-half as he prodded wide with just Ramsdale to beat before seeing strong appeals for a penalty waived away for a challenge by Ben White.

The England captain is still to score in the Premier League this season after Tottenham refused to relent to Manchester City’s interest.

 


Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2021. Ben STANSALL / AFP

 

Spurs have only scored four goals in total in their opening six games, but Son has three of them as his shot from Sergio Reguilon’s cross had too much power for Ramsdale.

AFP

Son, Kane Shine Again To Send Tottenham Through In Europa League


Erik Lamela (L) of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring goal during the UEFA Europa League qualifying round football match between Shkendija and Tottenham Hotspur at Philip II Arena in Skopje on September 24, 2020.
Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP

 

Harry Kane came off the bench to score as Tottenham struck twice in the final 20 minutes to reach the final round of Europa League qualifying with a 3-1 win over Shkendija in Macedonia.

Jose Mourinho left Kane out among six changes from the side that swept aside Southampton 5-2 on Sunday with Son Heung-min scoring four times from Kane assists.

Spurs could not have asked for a better start when Erik Lamela opened the scoring after just five minutes with a calm finish.

But the visitors failed to convert a host of other chances to kill the tie off and Valjmir Nafiu blasted home an equaliser past Joe Hart on his Tottenham debut.

Kane was then introduced alongside Giovani Lo Celso, but was guilty of also missing a glorious chance when he headed wide from point-blank range.

However, Son made no mistake on the rebound after Lucas Moura’s shot was saved and the roles from the weekend were reversed 11 minutes from time when the England captain powered home a header from Son’s cross.

Tottenham will face Maccabi Haifa at home next Thursday.

Celtic had to wait until the final minute to break Riga’s resistence in Latvia as Mohamed Elyounoussi scored the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Neil Lennon’s men dominated possession and chances but looked set to go into extra-time until Southampton loanee Elyounoussi came off the bench to turn home the impressive Jeremie Frimpong’s cross.

“We missed a couple of really good chances to make life a little bit easier for us,” said Lennon.

“We had to wait a long time for the goal. Sometimes that happens in football. I thought we were excellent and our mentality was good.”

Celtic will travel to Sarajevo in the playoff round.

AFP

Kane Will Break My England Goal Record Says Rooney

England’s striker Harry Kane celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying first round Group A football match between England and Bulgaria at Wembley Stadium in London on September 7, 2019. Ben STANSALL / AFP

 

Wayne Rooney has tipped Harry Kane to break his England goal-scoring record in the next “two or three years”.

Rooney netted 53 times for England during his glittering career as the former Manchester United striker broke Bobby Charlton’s previous record of 49.

But Rooney, currently playing for American club DC United before a January move to Derby, believes England captain Kane is on course to knock him from first place soon enough.

READ ALSO: Guardiola Fears Laporte Out For Up To Six Months

The Tottenham forward already has 26 England goals at the age of 26 after his scoring spree in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.

“I never take goals for granted, I love scoring them. Once I got to 35 for England, I could feel the record getting close,” Rooney said on his podcast.

“I don’t think it’ll stand for 50 years like Bobby Charlton’s, I think Harry Kane, possibly the next two or three years will (do it). He’s a fantastic goalscorer and his record for England is fantastic.

“When I got the record and then went back for my last game I said it would be an honour to go and present him like Bobby Charlton presented me with the golden boot and I’m sure it won’t be before too long.”

Kane Stunner Earns Spurs Victory Over Juventus

 

Harry Kane scored a stunning 93rd minute winner from the halfway line as Tottenham Hotspur edged Juventus 3-2 in an entertaining pre-season friendly in Singapore on Sunday.

The England captain latched onto Lucas Moura’s short pass and launched a first-time shot high over a scrambling substitute keeper Wojciech Szczesny as Spurs rallied past new manager Maurizio Sarri’s Italian champions in front of a delighted National Stadium crowd.

“It’s probably one of the best goals of my career. I noticed the keeper was often off of his line and thought if I get a chance to shoot I will and it just went in,” Kane said in a post-match interview.

A youthful Spurs dominated the first half as Juventus struggled to adapt to their new coach’s “Sarri-ball” tactic of playing out from the back with short, quick passes.

READ ALSO: Guardiola Desperate To Keep ‘Incredible’ De Bruyne Fit

Instead of moving the ball forward, Juventus often found themselves defending desperately after being caught in possession as Spurs pressed high up the pitch with the Premier League side going on to take a deserved lead on the half-hour mark.

Son Heung-min started the move by holding up play and feeding Troy Parrott for a clear run at Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal, with the 17-year-old forward’s low strike parried by the veteran keeper straight into the path of an unmarked Erik Lamela for a routine tap-in.

“It was a very good game, very competitive. To be honest, we are still short in our preparations and I wasn’t planning to play this way so early in the pre-season … we were still hoping to give some players more rest after a long campaign,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

“The result was not the most important thing today, the performance was and how we continue our preparations for the upcoming season.”

Juventus had more success after the break when they increased their tempo and went more direct, and halftime substitute Gonzalo Higuain levelled the score in the 56th minute with a drilled strike after exchanging neat passes with Federico Bernardeschi.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Juventus were soon ahead when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived late to drive home Mattia De Sciglio’s cutback four minutes later, leaving to rapturous applause by an adoring crowd when he was substituted immediately after scoring.

Spurs were level in the 65th minute, however, when Champions League semi-final hero Lucas fired home record signing Tanguy Ndombele’s low cross, the French midfielder finding the Brazilian with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Kane and Higuain both squandered good chances to score winning goals in the final 10 minutes before the England striker prevented the contest going to a penalty shootout with the most brilliant of strikes.

AFP

Winning Nations League Can Be Launching Pad For Euros – Kane

Harry Kane

 

Harry Kane believes if England can lift the inaugural Nations League later this year in Portugal it will instill the confidence required to add the European Championship title in 2020.

The 25-year-old England captain told The Daily Telegraph inflicting Spain’s first competitive home defeat in 15 years and avenging their defeat in the World Cup semi-finals by Croatia in the Nations League group stage had maintained the momentum.

Kane, who finished top scorer in Russia with six goals to win the Golden Boot, said should England win their first continental trophy since the 1966 World Cup it will give them the ideal launching pad for further success.

England play the Netherlands in the semi-finals in the northern Portuguese city of Guimaraes on June 6 with the winner playing either Switzerland or hosts Portugal in the final on June 9.

“Now the Nations League is an opportunity to win a trophy and if we win one then hopefully it will be easier to win another,” he said.

“It will give us a real confidence and belief going into the Euros.”

Kane, who scored 42 goals in 63 appearances for his club Tottenham Hotspur and country last year, said the wins over Spain and Croatia showed they had learnt lessons from the World Cup.

“When we look back at the World Cup then there were performances in which we could have done better and the next motivation, the next step is putting that right,” he said.

“We’ve put in some big games -– beating Spain away, Croatia at home.

“It feels like we are still ticking those boxes, as we were doing in the summer, that will make us better.”

Kane on a personal front admits it may seem odd but he has never felt he has completely won people over despite his remarkable goalscoring feats for both club and country.

“My whole career I have had to prove people wrong almost play with a chip on my shoulder,” he said.

“That motivation is just something that’s been inside me, instilled in me, wanting to do my best.”

Those doubts he has had to overcome were sewn when after coming through the Spurs academy he was sent out on loan to the unglamourous duo of Leyton Orient and Millwall.

He continued his learning curve with further loans to Leicester City and Norwich.

He says that New England Patriots legendary five-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady offered inspiration in showing how you can blow away the sceptics.

“Turns out, Tom Brady was the 199th pick in his draft class,” said Kane.

“It just blew my mind — but in a good way.

“It is a real inspiration. Seeing how he became the best ever from people doubting him.

“It gave me huge self-belief and confidence that I was going to make it.”

AFP

Kane To The Rescue As Spurs Hit Back To Avoid Early Exit

Kane Strikes But Spurs Held By Brighton
Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane.  Photo: Glyn KIRK / AFP

 

Harry Kane kept alive Tottenham’s bid to reach the Champions League knockout stages as the England striker’s late double inspired a dramatic 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were only 12 minutes away from being eliminated as they struggled to recover from Luuk De Jong’s opener for PSV after 61 seconds at Wembley.

But England captain Kane came to the rescue with a predatory equaliser before heading the crucial last-gasp winner with the aid of a deflection off PSV’s Trent Sainsbury.

With two matches remaining, at home to Inter Milan on November 28 and away to Barcelona on December 11, Tottenham remain in third place in Group B.

But the north London club are now just three points behind second-placed Inter and have their fate back in their own hands.

While Tottenham are far from certain to make the last 16, they could at least allow themselves a huge sigh of relief after staving off elimination at the group stage for the second time in three seasons.

Describing Tottenham’s campaign so far as “a weird season”, Pochettino has sought solace in the political drama House of Cards recently.

But life imitated art a little too much for Pochettino’s liking as Tottenham’s defence collapsed like a house in the second minute.

There were large swathes of empty seats around Wembley as Tottenham fans showed their frustration at their team’s spluttering European form.

The stay-aways appeared to have made the right choice when PSV took their shock lead.

De Jong had frustrated Tottenham with a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the teams last month and once again the PSV captain improved impossible to contain as he rose above three defenders to head home from Gaston Pereiro’s corner.

It was the quickest goal Tottenham had conceded in the Champions League, but the blow sparked them into mounting a sustained period of pressure on the PSV goal.

Spurs relief

Dele Alli was back in the Tottenham line-up after missing their weekend win at Wolves through injury and the England midfielder almost made an immediate impact.

Pouncing on Davinson Sanchez’s knock down, Alli produced a back-heeled effort that was cleared off the line by Angelino.

Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane had shots deflected wide as Pochettino’s men monopolised possession.

Lucas Moura almost conjured an equaliser with a superb sprint through the heart of the PSV defence.

Moura’s initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet before the Brazilian scuffed the rebound over the bar.

Zoet frustrated Tottenham again with a brilliant double save, keeping out Eriksen’s close-range shot, then scrambling to his feet to deny Alli from the follow-up before celebrating with a defiant fist-pump.

Alli lost another duel with Zoet soon after, this time watching in despair as the Dutch keeper pushed away his low drive.

It was the same story after the interval as Tottenham probed for a leveller, only for PSV to soak up the pressure in stoic fashion.

As the tension mounted, Pochettino’s decision to take off the lively Moura was greeted with jeers from Tottenham fans.

But Tottenham kept pressing in composed style and Kane drilled a fierce strike that Zoet repelled at his near post.

Just as time was running out, Kane finally made Tottenham’s territorial dominance pay off in the 78th minute.

His physical presence won an aerial duel and when the ball fell to Fernando Llorente, the substitute teed up Kane for a clinical low strike that flashed past Zoet for his 12th goal in 14 Champions League appearances.

Donyell Malen almost curtailed the Tottenham celebrations, but his rocket from the edge of the area was pushed away by Paulo Gazzaniga.

It was a vital contribution from Gazzaniga as Kane poached Tottenham’s 89th-minute winner, rising to head home via a deflection off Sainsbury.

AFP

Kane Committed To Tottenham For Long-Term

England’s striker Harry Kane attends an open training session at St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent on June 6, 2018, ahead of their international friendly football match against Costa Rica.
Paul ELLIS / AFP

 

England captain Harry Kane gave a huge boost to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday by signing a new six-year contract through to 2024 with the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old striker scored a personal best 41 goals this season and had been mentioned as a possible target for European champions Real Madrid with other clubs also lurking in the wings.

Some had speculated Kane would want a move away so he could win some silverware as despite Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino gaining plaudits for the attractive style of football they play they are yet to win a trophy under him since he took over in 2014.

“We are delighted to announce that Harry Kane has signed a new six-year contract with the Club, which will run until 2024,” read a statement from Spurs on their website.

Kane — who may have been inspired to commit himself after Pochettino signed a five year contract in late May — said it was exciting times for the players at the club as apart from seeking a title they are also looking forward to moving into their new state of the art stadium having had to paly their home matches at Wembley last season.

“I’m really excited, it’s a proud day,” Kane told the club website.

“Obviously it’s been a great few seasons and I’m looking forward to the future.

“I’m looking forward to the new stadium first and foremost and just to keep progressing as a Club.

“It’s been fantastic to consistently get in the Champions League so I’m really excited to have another go at that.

“For us as a Club, it’s just about keeping improving and we’ll work hard to do that.”

The settling of Kane’s long-term future will also be pleasing for England manager Gareth Southgate as it will not serve as a distraction during the World Cupfinals this month.

“I’m obviously really excited about the World Cupcoming up so it’s nice to get this done before that and I’m just looking to go out there and enjoy it now,” said Kane.

“It’s been a great season, like always the aim is to try to improve so hopefully I can do that this summer and obviously next season as well.”

Kane — who will be seeking in Russia to make up for a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign — has established all kinds of landmarks since breaking into the Spurs first team four seasons ago.

He became the Club’s leading scorer in the Premier League era, surpassing Teddy Sheringham’s total of 97, while he has also joined the elite group of players to score 100 Premier League goals, doing so in just 141 games.

Kane finished the 2017 calendar year as the top goalscorer in European football with 56 goals for Club and country, as well as breaking Alan Shearer’s record for the most Premier League goals scored in a calendar year, recording 39 in total.

AFP

Kane Awarded Tottenham Goal After Appeal

Wenger Admits Kane Is Europe's Best Despite Derby Tension
Harry Kane File photo: Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP

 

Harry Kane has been awarded Tottenham Hotspur’s second goal in their 2-1 Premier League victory at Stoke City after the England star appealed against the decision to give it to Christian Eriksen.

Kane claimed he got the final touch on Eriksen’s free-kick at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, but the strike was initially credited to the Danish midfielder.

“I swear on my daughter’s life that I touched the ball,” Kane later said.

Eriksen added: “He celebrated like it was his goal so I will have to take his word for it.”

After reviewing the match footage, the Premier League’s goal accreditation appeals panel ruled Kane had diverted the ball into the net, giving the striker 25 Premier League goals this season.

“Harry Kane has been awarded Tottenham Hotspur’s second goal in their 2-1 win against Stoke City on Saturday, after the club and player successfully appealed to the Premier League’s Goal Accreditation Appeals Panel,” a Premier League statement said on Wednesday.

Kane is chasing Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, who has 29 goals this term, in the race to finish as the league’s top scorer.

The match at Stoke was Kane’s first start since March after he returned from an ankle injury.

Salah, who has scored 11 goals in his last eight league games, appeared to question the decision on Twitter.

Just 15 minutes after the announcement, he posted: “Wooooooow really ?”

AFP

Kane To Cheer Gemili During Commonwealth Games

FILE PHOTO Britain’s Adam Gemili competes in the men’s 200 meters semi-final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. Photo Credit: Olivier MORIN / AFP

 

Englishman Adam Gemili will have Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane cheering him on from afar when the sprinter goes for 100 meters gold at the Commonwealth Games.

The 24-year-old Gemili, who was a pacy lower league footballer before turning his full focus to athletics, is one of the favourites on Monday on Australia’s Gold coast.

Gemili, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 100m silver medallist, revealed that his coach Rana Reider is friends with Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The two Spurs men made a surprise visit to see Gemili training in Barcelona.

“I am a big football fan so I was ecstatic. He is probably the best striker in the world at the moment,” Gemili said of England international Kane, one of the hottest strikers in football.

“He was very friendly, keen to learn and asked lots of questions.”

Gemili abandoned his semi-professional football career to do athletics full-time in 2012 after deciding he would achieve more as a runner.

AFP

Kane Rescues Tottenham With Late Winner At Palace

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (C) scores the opening goal with this header during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on February 25, 2018.
Ian KINGTON / AFP

 

Harry Kane struck late to secure Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday that moved Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the top four immediately ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Manchester United.

Spurs appeared set for disappointment after struggling to break down a Crystal Palace fighting to move clear of the relegation places.

But Kane finally found the breakthrough on 88 minutes, meeting Christian Eriksen’s corner at the far post and directing a header past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who should have done better after getting a firm hand to the ball.

Spurs’ relief was matched by the frustration felt by Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and his players who appeared to have done enough to hold onto the point.

The win pushed Pochettino’s men two points above Chelsea and while they knew the positions could be reversed by the end of the day, they could be satisfied they had increased the pressure on Antonio Conte’s side.

Pochettino made 10 changes to the side that drew with Rochdale in the FA Cup seven days previously but the more significant fact was that his line-up showed just one change to the team that drew at Juventus in the Champions League.

The withdrawal of Jan Vertonghen after the centre-back picked up a knock in training the day before the game meant Eric Dier slotted in alongside Davinson Sanchez in central defence in an otherwise familiar Spurs line-up.

By contrast, Hodgson’s hand was forced by the absence of 12 senior players, leaving the Crystal Palace manager with few options.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 20, came in at right-back for his senior debut and the depth of the home side’s injury problems was reflected on the substitutes’ bench where four of the seven replacements had yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club.

The makeshift nature of the Palace line-up was reflected in a disjointed start that could have seen Tottenham three up inside 16 minutes had the visitors made more of a succession of defensive errors.

Early chances

Ben Davies should have done better after Andros Townsend unexpectedly failed to clear Eriksen’s free-kick although the left-back insisted he had a strong claim for a penalty after colliding with Hennessey.

Then two minutes later, an even better opportunity fell to Kane who was uncharacteristically wasteful when Patrick van Aanholt sliced a clearance into the forward’s path. Kane was only eight yards out but placed his shot too close to Hennessey who diverted the effort over the bar.

A third Palace error allowed Dele Alli to evade the offside trap and collect Eriksen’s floated ball over the top but the England midfielder rushed his attempt to direct a header over the onrushing Hennessey.

It seemed only a matter of time before Palace’s defence would be unpicked and Timothy Fosu-Mensah was fortunate an offside flag meant his clear foul on Kane inside the home area went unpunished.

But Hodgson’s side grew in confidence and began to cut out the mistakes as the first half progressed.

They offered little going forward, but by getting bodies behind the ball, the home side halted a succession of Tottenham attacking moves, leaving Kane frustrated at the lack of opportunities to come his way.

A sliced shot that flew high and wide by Kane early in the second half confirmed things were not going the visitors’ way. And having withstood the early pressure, Palace began to appear increasingly threatening on the counter-attack, without ever managing to test keeper Hugo Lloris.

Alexander Sorloth, the striker signed during the last transfer window, led two breaks that ensured Tottenham were forced to apply a degree of caution as they pursued the breakthrough.

But the visitors’ frustration was compounded when a third penalty appeal was rejected, this time after Alli went to ground following a clumsy challenge by Van Aanholt, before relief came in the form of Kane’s header — the striker’s 35th goal of the season.

AFP