It was a dynamite Harry Kane two-goal performance that gave Tottenham Hotspur the edge over Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of the last 16 of this season’s Europa League and the clean sheet could also be crucial.
Tottenham Take Two Goal Lead to Second Leg Thanks to Dynamite Harry Kane
Zagreb Stubbornness Not Enough to Stop Dynamite Kane
Dinamo Zagreb came through the group stages of this season’s Europa League, conceding only one goal in six games, so in this first leg tie of the last 16, Tottenham knew they would have their work cut out to take a healthy lead into the second leg.
Zagreb were quick out of the blocks and almost caught their hosts napping when, in the first few minutes, Tanguy Ndombele gave the ball away haphazardly. Thankfully for the hostst, however, the subsequent shot led to no damage being done.
Dele Alli started ahead of Lucas Moura with Erik Lamela replacing the in-form Gareth Bale and it was Lamela who was really positive in the opening exchanges, tracking back, winning tackles and then getting his teammates on the front foot, replicating what Moura has been doing in recent games.
It was Lamela who worked hard to get Tottenham in front as he won the ball, ran at the Zagreb defence before hitting a shot with the outside of his foot against the foot of the post which bounced straight back into the path of Kane who duly scored.
Tottenham got lots of width down the flanks and some of Kane and Son Heung-Min’s interplay was breathtaking. At times Kane would play a ball without looking and Son was on the move but the Zagreb defence remained resolute to keep the score at 1-0 at the half time whistle.
Kane’s All Round Game Key to Tottenham’s Victory
Harry Kane grabbed his and Spurs’ second goal in the 69th minute of the game after a dreadful error from the otherwise solid Kevin Theophile-Catherine. It was a controlled and calculated finish from the England striker as has come to be expected but, it was his all-round performance that took the eye.
Dropping deep, collecting the ball in midfield and allowing Erik Lamela to push forward, Kane’s range of passing dictated play. Son and Alli both looked to get in behind when Kane had the ball and Zagreb had to be on high alert defensively time and time again.
Tottenham’s Press Becoming More and More Influential
Tottenham, against Zagreb, were strong physically, mentally and the energy was a far cry from defeats in the Premier League against Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea. Bale may have started from the bench but, in his cameo, he still looked fresh, full of attacking intent and delivered one beautiful cross with the outside of his left foot to Steven Bergwijn who could only muster a tame volley on target.
Lamela never stopped running, Tanguy Ndombele was strong on the ball and will have his fair share of bruises to show for his efforts as Zagreb gave him special attention- conceding numerous fouls on him.
Positive Result Ahead of North London Derby
Jose Mourinho will be happy with a performance that gave him chance the chance to rest players ahead of Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates.
It is only half time in this Europa League tie but Spurs are well placed to make it through to the quarter-finals.
Main Photo
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