Clinical Kane hits a double to leave Spurs in full control
HARRY Kane’s sensational season continued as his two goals put Tottenham on course for the Europa League quarter-finals as they beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the first leg of their last-16 clash.
The England captain is having one of his most productive campaigns and took his tally to 26 goals in 37 appearances, while also contributing 16 assists.
A strike in either half against the Croatians justified Jose Mourinho’s decision to select his main striker, despite the north London derby being just 72 hours away, and he equalled a club record of eight European goals in a single season set by Martin Chivers twice and Martin Peters.
He will surely break that if Spurs are to go on and win the competition, which Mourinho is targeting, though his display here might give him next week’s second leg in Zagreb off.
Spurs still have work to do in the Croatian capital, but the result here makes their task easier.
Dinamo arrived in north London on the back of an eight-game winning run and they were a clear step up from the standard of opposition Spurs have previously faced in this competition.
Indeed, the night could have taken a different path had Mislav Orsic taken a golden chance in the opening minute.
A wayward pass from Tanguy Ndombele set Orsic in the clear but once he got into the penalty area, his effort was tame.
Spurs took advantage of their let-off and went ahead in the 25th minute after assuming control.
Kane was the goalscorer but it was Erik Lamela who he had to thank as a fine piece of skill saw the Argentinian ride a challenge and breeze into the box, where his shot hit the post, giving the England captain a simple tap-in.
The hosts continued to be the aggressors but found clear chances to add to their lead hard to come by.
They thought they should have had a penalty early in the second half when Ndombele appeared to be clipped by Lovro Majer but referee Serdar Gozubuyuk waved away appeals and the incident was not referred to VAR.
Spurs eventually doubled their lead in the 70th minute and it was that man Kane again.
Ndombele’s long ball found Serge Aurier in space and his cross was not cleared by Kevin Theophile-catherine, with Kane pouncing to fire home.
Gareth Bale stepped off the bench and almost put the tie beyond Zagreb with a trademark free-kick from distance which swerved and dipped and forced Dominik Livakovic to punch.
Kane’s work for the evening was done and he was replaced by Carlos Vinicius before being seen on the touchline with ice on his knee, which Spurs will hope is just a precaution.
Bale had another chance to kill the tie but he poked Steven Bergwijn’s cross wide.
TOTTENHAM: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Dier, Davies, Sissoko, Ndombele (Hojbjerg 72), Alli (Lucas Moura 65), Lamela (Bale 64), Son (Bergwijn 65), Kane (Vinicius 84).
Subs not used: Doherty, Reguilon, Alderweireld, Winks, Hart, Tanganga, Whiteman.
DINAMO ZAGREB: Livakovic, Ristovski, Lauritsen, Théophile-catherine, Leovac, Majer (Kastrati 64), Jakic, Ademi (Franjic 90), Ivanusec, Petkovic (Gavranovic 78), Orsic (Atiemwen 64).
Subs not used: Zagorac, Cabraja, Tolic, Burton, Misic, Stojanovic, Josipovic, Peric.
Referee: Serdar Gozubuyuk (Netherlands)
Man of the match: Harry Kane
Match rating: 7/10