THE SCAR TURN

Kane heals wounds from Gunners blow as Spurs make new Saints boss suffer

HARRY KANE healed the scars of the North London derby as Tottenham found the perfect cure at a more than half-empty Wembley.

The Tottenham striker got his 10th Premier League goal of the season as Mauricio Pochettino’s men showed new Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl he has a huge job in front of him.

Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura were also on target in front of just 33,012 but this was all about Tottenham finding a strong response to Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal.

Just three days on, Tottenham showed they are back in the saddle and there is no hangover ahead of a big week which sees them go to Leicester on Saturday and Tuesday’s make-orbreak Champions League trip to Barcelona.

Barcelona have got Lionel Messi and Co, but there are no better finishers than Kane and he is so reliable whenever Tottenham need a goal.

It was difficult to remember such a low-key atmosphere even at Wembley as swathes of red seats remained empty on a cold, rainy night in North London.

Tottenham did their best to liven up the mood with a bright start and, early on, the new Southampton boss Hasenhuttl, who was sitting in the stands, must have wondered what he had let himself in for.

Son hit the post with a brilliant low volley and Tottenham did not take much longer to take the lead.

From a short corner after nine minutes, Christian Eriksen put over a low cross and Kane ghosted in at the near post, lost his markers and fired in from close range.

But the visitors responded well and came back into the game, showing more passion and determination than they had in recent weeks which ultimately cost Mark Hughes his job. Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg smashed a shot against the post as Tottenham were pushed back.

Saints caretaker boss Kelvin Davies – in charge for one game until Hasenhuttl takes over for the weekend – clearly inspired the sort of performance which had been lacking.

At the other end, Tottenham had their moments as Son looked lively and his brilliant run set up Kane whose shot was well saved by Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy.

McCarthy made good saves at the start of the second half from Kane and then Eriksen but could do nothing about Tottenham’s second goal.

Saints failed to clear a corner, Moura’s first shot was charged down but the Brazilian smashed a follow-up into the wet turf and it skidded into the far corner (above, celebrating with Kane).

That brought Wembley to life and also Tottenham as shortly afterwards they had a third and effectively put the game to bed.

Kieran Trippier made a good block, Kane then put over a low cross and Son was in the middle to fire past McCarthy from close range. Southampton winger Nathan Redmond smashed a shot against the bar and you have to credit the visitors for not throwing in the towel.

But you could see the size of the task in front of Hasenhuttl as gone are the days when Southampton used to come to the big clubs and upset the odds.

Tottenham will be worried Trippier limped off to be replaced by Oliver Skipp, 18, who was making his Premier League debut.

Saints got a goal which their battling spirit probably deserved as sub Charlie Austin fired home a consolation in injury time.