Harry Kane’s terrific goalscoring form continued as the striker notched a first-half brace to fire Tottenham Hotspur to an impressive 4-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.
Kane, who had notched a Champions League hat-trick in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Apoel Nicosia in mid-week, gave the visitors the lead in the 9th minute, capitalising on a defensive error by Terriers defender Chris Lowe.
Kieran Trippier’s speculative header shouldn’t have beaten the right-back, but somehow it did and once Kane raced away for a one-on-one with Jonas Lossl, there was only one outcome. The Danish keeper, however, didn’t make it difficult for the striker, allowing Kane to score past him at the near-post.
Huddersfield had impressed with their displays in the Premier League, especially at home and actually started the game on the front-foot but somehow found themselves trailing with less than 10 minutes to play.
And Spurs would double their lead soon after, for left-back Ben Davies was rewarded for his overlap as he calmly slotted past Lossi after the ball had ricocheted into his path in the 16th minute.
Not content with a two-goal cushion, the visitors kept pressing for a third and it would be Kane who effectively put the result beyond doubt with a sensational strike from the edge of the box.
Strikers are used to hitting thunderbolts when given time and space, but Kane’s was from his weaker foot and his effort flew into the top corner six minutes before the half-hour mark.
Spurs could have scored a few more but Kane was intent on nabbing his first Premier League hat-trick of the season and instead of setting up his teammates, tried in vain to increase his tally.
The first-half ended with a flurry of action, with both sides hitting the woodwork once and the second began on a much more sedate note as Spurs were content with controlling possession and understandably were content with their 3-0 lead.
Substitute Moussa Sissoko claimed a late goal for himself, helped by a late deflection, to add to the scoreline in injury-time in a half which saw precious little action.
The only blot on Spurs’ game was a caution for midfielder Dele Alli for simulation contact inside the Huddersfield box.
Alli, who is under a one-game suspension (National side) for a offensive gesture, dived in a bid to win a penalty but thankfully, referee Neil Swarbrick had a clear view of the action and correctly gave the Spurs player a yellow card.
Kane, who was unable to score his hat-trick, was taken off by Mauricio Pochettino late in the second-half to a standing ovation from both ends. A just appreciation for an extraordinary striker who has now registered three braces, all away from home, this Premier League season!
Spurs momentarily climb up to third in the league table, two points behind joint-leaders Manchester City and Manchester United. Defending champions Chelsea slide down to fourth but can overtake Spurs when they take on City in what promises to be a titanic clash later on Saturday.