Pochettino eyes new record for goal-machine Kane
LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the Premier League single-season scoring record of 34 goals is under threat from Harry Kane after the striker grabbed two more in a 4-0 victory over Everton at Wembley.
Kane made it 10 goals in his last six games in all competitions to become Tottenham’s record scorer in the Premier League and, after Saturday’s match, the England forward’s top-flight tally for the season stands at 20 with 15 league games still to play.
“Harry is fantastic and I congratulate him one more time,” said Pochettino after Kane equalled and then surpassed Teddy Sheringham’s previous record of 97 Premier League goals for the north London club.
“He can do anything because of his mentality and how professional he is.
“He can achieve all that he wants because of his willingness to work. He’s always thinking and trying to improve, improve, improve and score goals.”
Pochettino added: “What is really important to explain to everyone is that although he scores lots of goals, his mentality is always to work for the team and that is what makes him such a special player. In his mind, he always tries to help and play for the team.”
Victory left Spurs level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool, who were due to face runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City last night, in a competitive race for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Meanwhile Antonio Conte believes Chelsea’s gruelling schedule and a lack of squad depth are to blame for the champions’ recent struggles.
Conte’s side lacked energy and drive as they were forced to settle for a dour 0-0 draw against 10-man Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
For the first time in the club’s history, Chelsea have endured three successive goalless draws after an FA Cup stalemate at Norwich and a League Cup blank against Arsenal.
Even the 68th minute dismissal of Leicester defender Ben Chilwell for two bookings in quick succession couldn’t lift lethargic Chelsea.
With an FA Cup replay against Norwich looming in midweek, Blues boss Conte is concerned by the signs of fatigue following the draining Christmas and New Year fixture pile-up.
“We played with tiredness. We suffered a lot in the first half and at the start of the second half,” Conte said.
RESULTS
Chelsea 0 Leicester 0; Crystal Palace 1 (Sako 21) Burnley 0; Huddersfield 1 (Lolley 40) West Ham 4 (Noble 25, Arnautovic 46, Lanzini 56, 61); Newcastle 1 (Joselu 68) Swansea 1 (Ayew 60); Tottenham 4 (Son 26, Kane 47, 59, Eriksen 81) Everton 0; Watford 2 (Gray 58, Doucoure 90) Southampton 2 (Ward-Prowse 20, 44); West Brom 2 (Evans 4, Dawson 55) Brighton 0
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