Harry Kane was once again the Tottenham Hotspur hero as he bagged the only goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle United.
The result, allied to Chelsea’s surprising home draw against Huddersfield Town, means that Spurs will be playing Champions League football once again next season.
Huge win tonight and good to seal @ChampionsLeague football again for next season. Now to finish on a high on Sunday. #COYS pic.twitter.com/1U7bKvHK7C
— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 9, 2018
In a nervy encounter at Wembley, the hosts seemed short of confidence and invention after a recent slip that had left their place in the top four in doubt.
Kane himself has suffered a relative dip in form but still has four strikes from his last six league outings and demonstrated why manager Mauricio Pochettino has stuck with him despite seeming short of full fitness.
The England forward’s 50th-minute effort, perfectly placed into the top corner from Dele Alli’s cutback, was his 39th of the season for Tottenham across all competitions and 28th in the top flight.
It put to the sword a Newcastle side that had created arguably the better of the chances but found Hugo Lloris in fine fettle between the sticks.
The criticism of Kane over recent weeks has been harsh on a player who has been one of the outstanding strikers in the world game over the past three campaigns.
Besides the numbers, the 24-year-old is vital to how Tottenham play and it is no understatement to say that without him, it is doubtful as to whether they would have been able to maintain a Champions League push.
A third-straight Premier League Golden Boot looks unlikely for Kane, unless he can bag four goals to overtake Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in the final match of the term against Leicester City on Sunday.
After that, focus turns to the World Cup finals in Russia that take place this summer, where the Spurs academy graduate will be expected to spearhead his country’s push for glory.
When it mattered @HKane came up with the goods last night and that’s 39 goals for the season that is incredible and hopefully a couple more goals on Sunday now we can all enjoy the game and get 3rd place! Proud of my club and the manager COYS
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) May 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/W1nkMurder/status/994508680405151745
Well done H, amazing season yet AGAIN! Obvious you're playing with injury not fully healed thus is the commitment you have for us, absolute legend. Forget about the golden boot and take it easy England need you then next season let's create history at the new ground! COYS
— Matt (@mattyfspurs) May 10, 2018
What a night watching @SpursOfficial. Felt broken after 90 mins from the stress & nerves of it all, but a great strike from @HKane, top saves from Hugo & the boys showed real guts to get the win. Next #ChampionsLeague2019 in the new stadium with #Poch. So happy 😀💪🏆 #THFC #COYS
— Sara J (@little_spur) May 10, 2018
Just so happy we got the result last night. That's all that. Matter. Be honest I wasn't convinced and worried before and during the game but the boys came through. Criticism of Kane been embarrassing. Like you say had people giving him loads and 39 goals. COYS!!
— Daniel Parry (@danielparry153) May 10, 2018
It was ugly last night, but we did the business, thanks to another Harry Kane special. Now with CL status we can attract top class players to the club. COYS pic.twitter.com/akzhW2ZnMQ
— Brian (@MrBrian1961) May 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/jayjaybenito/status/994467957165232128
https://twitter.com/Big_RobzTHFC/status/994370755843551233
https://twitter.com/BennyB11/status/994357904466624512
Finally home.
THAT is why Harry Kane ALWAYS starts!
If he can walk, he starts! #COYS
— Jon (@jonhotspur88) May 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/THX2208/status/994353805239226368
Spurs 1-0 Newcastle. A nervy performance as top four was on the line. In a match with so much at stake, @HKane produced the one piece of magic needed to secure top four for the third consecutive season (with a little help from Chelsea dropping points at home) #GGTH #COYS #THFC pic.twitter.com/2cbySYp42l
— Dallas Spurs (@DallasSpurs) May 9, 2018