KANE IS BACKED BY NEV

DEFEND: Gary Neville

GARY Neville leapt to the defence of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane during Arsenal’s comprehensive 3-1 win in the north London derby. Kane put in another subdued performance as Spurs were schooled by their arch- rivals at the Emirates.

A first- half goal blitz for the Gunners from Emile Smith- Rowe, Pierre EmerickAubamayeng and Bukayo Saka killed any hopes of Tottenham halting their recent slide down the Premier League table.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo responded by making a double change at the break, introducing Oliver Skipp and Emerson Royale for Dele Alli and Japhet Tanganga.

But Neville spoke out in defence of Kane and insisted that Spurs’ recent struggles in front of goal go deeper than Kane’s failed summer transfer request.

Lauded

“There’s been a lot of talk about his positioning and coming a lot deeper,” Neville assessed on Sky Sports.

“But I don’t buy into that theory. He dropped into that position last season and we lauded him for it, he adapted his game, got 14 assists – the most in the Premier League.

“I think the only thing I can see that’s changed is, two things, one he’s asked to leave and people are questioning whether he’s unhappy, and the second thing is that his manager Nuno does have a record at Wolves for not scoring and creating the most chances.

“Tottenham’s three goals in five games is a real concern, it’s not just a Kane problem.”

Kane also came under fire for his role in Arsenal’s opener by Graeme Souness, who said: “If you don’t win the header, make sure the defender doesn’t win the header.”