Seven up for Spurs as hat-trick Harry makes Haifa pay
TOTTENHAM reached the group stages of the Europa League after a comprehensive victory over Maccabi Haifa last night.
A hat-trick from Harry Kane – who received an apology from the Israeli club following an insulting video that went viral this week – led the way as Spurs made it six games unbeaten in all competitions.
It took just 93 seconds for Kane to give his side the lead, slotting home before former QPR midfielder Tjaronn Chery’s stunning equaliser.
Lucas Moura restored Spurs’ lead soon after with a cushioned header and Giovani Lo Celso bludgeoned in a third on 36 minutes.
The Argentinian’s second three minutes later made it 4-1 but Nikita Rukavytsya’s penalty gave Haifa hope until two more Kane goals.
Dele Alli’s late penalty rounded off the scoring. As Spurs closed in on a season’s loan for Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius as back-up for Kane, their existing players demonstrated they know where the goal is.
Kane who set them on their way after Bergwijn and Ben Davies combined down the left. Chery levelled but Moura quickly put Spurs back in front, heading in Bergwijn’s cross.
Lo Celso then stole the show with a pair of lovely finishes, the first a clinical strike after a goalmouth scramble, then a neat finish. Alli came on at the break but Matt Doherty was penalised for handball, allowing Rukavytsya to make it 4-2.
Kane made it safe after a penalty for handball against Ernest Mabouka and wrapped up his hat-trick 16 minutes from time, sweeping in after a Spurs breakaway. Alli was fouled and made it 7-2 from the spot.