Premier League

CRYSTAL PALACE 0
TOTTENHAM 4 (Kane 48, 53, Doherty 68, Son 72)

TOTTENHAM got their season back on track in exciting fashion tonight (Wednesday) by trouncing south Londoners Crystal Palace 4-0 at Selhurst Park.

A Harry Kane double – taking him to within a goal of Jimmy Greaves all time Spurs record of 266 – and efforts from Matt Doherty and Heung-Min Son completed a hugely satisfying away win for Antonio Conte’s men.

It was their first away win in 10 London derbies, and having suffered a painful falling off of form before the World Cup break, and then just earning one point from six since the return, this confidence boosting victory was just what Conte ordered.

Speaking after the game, match-winner Kane said: “It was really important. The loss to Aston Villa two days ago was a blow and this was a tough game away from home.

“But we started well, on the front foot, created some half chances, and then they had a spell when they got on top. These are the games that if you go 1-0 behind, you can find it difficult. We scored at a good time. The games are coming thick and fast, so it is a good game to win.”

Kane said the Tottenham boss Conte had told them at the break to speed things up. The England captain added: “It was about moving the ball quick, and getting runs in behind. It felt like an important five minutes in terms of the season.”

Before kick off there was a heightened atmosphere with rumours that Conte might be fed up with life in north London – that perhaps the so-called “Spursy” label was just too well entrenched for even this elite manager to shake.

And a dire first half offered no warning that the heavy vibes around the club were going to be alleviated any time soon.

Too often passes were under hit – a sure sign of low confidence – while players were also all too ready to turn backwards or play the ball sideways, another clear sign of the doldrums this team was languishing in.

Bryan Gil started and in the first five minutes had shown an eagerness to scamper. But after a few bright touches, Palace realised they were playing against the footballing equivalent of a stick insect, such was his lack of physical presence. For all of his keenness to get involved, Gil still reminded of a skilful little brother having a kick about against men.

Palace looked the more likely to score. Jordan Ayew caused problems and forced Hugo Lloris into a low save in what was the best chance of the opening 45 minutes.

The opener, which arrived minutes in the second half, changed everything. Gil suddenly seemed to grow in stature and kept a move going centrally by slipping in Ivan Perisic. The Croatian’s brilliant ball to the back stick saw Kane rise highest and head home on what was his 300th Premier League appearance.

The second goal came just five minutes later – and it was when Kane trusted Gil with the one-two. Kane popped a ball out to the winger in space and his cheeky return pass took out half the Palace defence. Right into Kane’s feet, the forward could afford to take a touch and then sweep his finish home.

Kane turned creator on 67 minutes when he muscled his way down the Palace left, came across the face of goal and found Son. His strike partner was forced wide but still managed to screw the ball back inside, where Doherty was on hand to side-foot home.

Then came a moment the away fans were waiting for. A lofted ball forward by Kane was chased down by Son. His first-time hit took a deflection, but Son won’t care: it wasn’t the cleanest goal he’ll ever score but it meant so much.

Despite a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, in the end Spurs delivered a clinical performance that has washed out the bitter taste of a serious slump in form.

What a difference Conte’s half-time team talk made. A side suffering from a paucity of ideas, zip, and confidence suddenly found a shot of magic potion. They came out of the away teams dressing room early and whatever brief words were shared did the trick.

Meanwhile Kane is now just one goal away from matching Greaves’ club record for goals scored, and how he stepped up tonight to stop a collectively horrible spell shimmered with true, genuine class. Next up in the league? Arsenal. The win could not have come at a better time.

Crystal Palace: Guaita, Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Ward, Doucoure, Schlupp (Mateta, 60), Olise (Edouard, 73), Eze (Hughes, 74), Zaha, Ayew
Substitutes not used: Johnstone, Milivojevic, Tomkins, Richards, Riedewald

Tottenham: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Lenglet (Davies, 85), Doherty (Royal, 77), Skipp (Sarr, 64), Hojbjerg, Perisic (White, 85), Gil (Sessegnon, 77), Son, Kane.
Substitutes not used: Forster, Sanchez, Spence, Tanganga