Tottenham put curse to bed

– Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund has finally killed off their Wembley curse.

Pochettino’s side opened their Group H campaign with an impressive display at their temporary Wembley home on Wednesday as Harry Kane’s (above) double and a Son Heung-Min strike sealed the points.

It was only Tottenham’s third win in their last 13 matches at Wembley and their first since moving into the English national stadium this season while White Hart Lane is being redeveloped.

Having lost eight times at Wembley in recent years, including defeats against Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen that contributed to their Champions League exit last season, Tottenham boss Pochettino knew it was essential his team got up and running this time.

“I hope that can help us to stop the talk of the hoodoo and everything,” he said.

Son put them ahead early on and, although Andriy Yarmolenko equalised for Dortmund, Kane produced two typically predatory finishes to make it four goals in two games for the England striker.

Kane’s brace maintained his strong start to September, which also includes two goals for England, and backed his claim this week that he is ready to shine on Europe’s biggest stages.

Pochettino has no doubt Kane is already among the top strikers in the tournament.

“Harry was fantastic,” he said. “When you score goals in the Champions League you receive the credit you deserve. For me he is one of the best strikers in the world.”

The only frustration for Pochettino was the red card for defender Jan Vertonghen after he caught Dortmund’s Mario Gotze in the face with his forearm. – AFP