The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Kane’s added incentive to take title
Harry Kane insists Tottenham will try to win the Premier League for Ugo Ehiogu after they were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
Fans of both teams at Wembley paid tribute to Ehiogu, who died on Friday after a cardiac arrest on Thursday at Spurs’ training ground.
A minute’s applause was held before kick-off and supporters at both ends chanted the name of Ehiogu, who had worked as Tottenham’s Under-23s coach.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men lost 4-2 to Chelsea as goals from substitute Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic secured a dramatic victory.
Spurs had earlier twice come from behind to draw level, Kane and Dele Alli cancelling out Willian’s brilliant freekick and penalty.
Tottenham dominated Chelsea for large spells but Willian’s opening two goals were somewhat self-inflicted, with Toby Alderweireld conceding a free-kick on the edge of the box before Son Heung-min’s rash challenge brought down Victor Moses in the penalty area.
Chelsea scored four goals from just four shots on target but Kane insists Spurs’ authoritative display came as scant consolation.
Spurs were hoping to extend their own seven-match winning run while continuing Chelsea’s recent dip, which had seen Antonio Conte’s side lose two of their previous four games.
Instead, the Blues are likely to gain a psychological boost from their victory as they look to maintain a four-point lead in the title race.
Tottenham next travel to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, a day after Chelsea host Southampton.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has bemoaned the proximity of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Saints and the fact Spurs have 24 additional hours to prepare for their game at Crystal Palace.
Cesc Fabregas said Chelsea’s absence from Europe after last season’s 10thplace finish has been beneficial as the leaders face a crucial period of fixtures, with a trip to Everton on April 30.
“It’s the first time Chelsea have not been in Europe for a very long time,” Fabregas added. “Maybe it has been a little bit of an advantage because we didn’t have to rotate as much.”