Kane content Spurs have come in from the cold
FROM the end of the world they are on top of the world.
Harry Kane allowed himself a wry smile at the worries over Tottenham’s tricky start to the season which now seem a distant memory.
Eric Dier’s first goal since April 2017 means the north Londoners’ 18 points after eight games equals their best start to a Premier League season.
They go into the international break in fifth place, within striking distance of the top. Before a ball had been kicked Spurs were accused of letting Mauricio Pochettino down in the transfer market. They were the only top flight club not to make a single signing.
After three wins on the spin – including that stunning upset at Manchester United – they were praised for keeping their squad together, particularly the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose. Losses to Watford, Liverpool and Inter Milan saw Spurs back under the cosh again.
By Saturday night they had bounced back from being outclassed by Lionel Messi and Barcelona and saw off 10-man Cardiff with the minimum of fuss.
“Obviously we went through that spell where everyone thought it was the end of the world,” said Kane. “We have come out the other side and we’ve done all right. We are
not far off the top. We just stay calm and stay under the radar. We’ll see if we can go on a good run between now and Christmas and see where that puts us.”
Pochettino has yet to find the right formula up front with Lucas Moura yet to score since his two goals at United at the end of August and Kane surely cannot continue playing in that No 10 role which took the sting out of his game against Cardiff.
The England captain, however, is content for Spurs to continue operating under the radar as the A-listers take centre stage. He is also optimistic about his side’s ability to finish off the teams they should be beating.
“This was a big win for us – I think that’s six out of eight,” he said. “Sometimes when you draw games it’s a false perception. It makes you feel like you are doing better than you are.”
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock claimed Kane’s influence was critical in getting Joe Ralls sent off. And midfielder Harry Arter suggested referee Mike Dean had been set to show Ralls a yellow card for his cynical challenge on Moura before the intervention of the Spurs players.
Arter said: “I don’t know what went through the ref’s mind but I know he clearly went for the yellow card initially. Then they all come flying in and it was a red card.
“I’m not sure whether it was the fourth official or the linesman. But the ref was in the best position to make the call.”