Kane returns to bolster Spurs as Alli hits the spot
The uncertainty around Harry Kane will continue to swirl for another eight days, but there remains little doubt that Tottenham supporters cannot envisage a future without him.
Kane was introduced 18 minutes from time at Molineux, in his first appearance of the season, and given a heroic reception by the travelling fans despite the forward’s determination to join Manchester City.
It was Nuno Espirito Santo’s first return to Wolves since his departure in May, with Tottenham securing a scarcely deserved victory through a Dele Alli penalty, his first league goal since March 2020. But it was Kane’s appearance that will dominate most conversations.
For 72 minutes there was a chilling vision of how Spurs could look without their talisman, with Son Heung-min enduring an afternoon of frustration in attack.
Kane was on the Tottenham bench for the first time since December 2018, after missing the two games against Manchester City and Pacos de Ferreira. He was sorely missed.
Wolves dominated for long periods under Bruno Lage, their new head coach, but were ultimately toothless. Tottenham, though, were still fortunate to leave the Black Country with their second successive league win of the campaign.
If there were any fears over Kane being subjected to hostility from Tottenham’s fans, they disappeared here. He was also given a warm ovation at the final whistle as he went to applaud them.
City remain determined to strike a deal for the England international, while Kane is also keen to pursue a move to the champions. Tottenham are refusing to sell but, on this evidence, his legacy with supporters will be untarnished if he does move before Aug 31.
Spurs went ahead with their first threatening moment on goal – and it ultimately proved decisive.
Alli was released into the penalty area by Sergio Reguilon and upended by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa. With Kane on the bench, Alli was given penalty duties and his delivery into the corner was clinical.
Nuno said: “Dele did a very good job and he worked very hard. He scored in the beginning of the game and in the last minutes of the game he was running all over the pitch, so that shows the level of fitness that he has and the belief that he has. A huge, huge help.
“All the team worked very hard. You know it was not the best of our games, but when you cannot play as good as you want you need to do your tasks well and the boys did amazing.”
Lage, meanwhile, will be wondering how he has started life in English football with no points.
Wolves were full of verve and vigour, responding well after going behind with their attacking intent hinting at the approach Lage will be trying to instill.
Adama Traore was devastating on the wing, tormenting right-back Japhet Tanganga, who had performed so well against City the previous weekend and was given another difficult afternoon.
Traore is a target for Tottenham and if he could finish then even bigger clubs would be queuing up to sign him. He wasted a glorious second-half chance with only Hugo Lloris to beat.
Lage said: “This is the way we want to play and the game stayed in our hands for 90 minutes.
“We had 25 attempts to score one goal, but I challenge the players to play this way. The most important thing is to score goals.
“I believe in my work and the players believed in me from the first day. We are confident with the process and we will continue to grow up as a team.”
There was also a return for Raul Jimenez, the Wolves forward making his first home appearance in nine months since sustaining a fractured skull.
Without Kane, Tottenham were devoid of a threat going forward. Son was isolated and having one of
those incredibly rare afternoons where he was ineffectual.
After 70 minutes, the away fans chanted Kane’s name and he was finally introduced to rapturous applause, with England manager Gareth Southgate watching from the stands.
Kane was a menace in his brief cameo, forcing a save from Sa after advancing into the area, and sparking the visitors into some life.
Wolves finished strongly but could not find the crucial equaliser, with Nuno completing a satisfactory return to the club he served for four years.
A perfect start for Tottenham, but there is more to come with the Kane transfer saga.