Harry Kane scored his 266th goal in a Spurs kit against Fulham. The only goal of the game tied Kane with Jimmy Greaves for the most in Tottenham history.
Even more important in the short term, the goal provided Spurs with a massive three points against a London opposition. It solidifies Tottenham’s place in fifth place, three points behind Manchester United. Conte’s team have a five-point advantage over Brighton. However, the Seagulls have played two fewer games.
The only goal of the match came in first-half injury time, a new trend adopted by Tottenham. Spurs scored twice late in the first half against Manchester City. Unlike that match at the Etihad, Spurs managed to maintain their lead at Craven Cottage.
Harry Kane picked up the ball with his back to goal just outside the 18-yard box. Defended by American Tim Ream, Kane turned to the left and fired seemingly blindly, perfectly past the left flank of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The record-tying goal was surely one of Kane’s best for Spurs.
Fulham, despite flying forward with Willian on one side and Bobby Reid on the other, could never find an equalizer. In true Antonio Conte style, Spurs ducked, preventing even Fulham from sniffing out the goal.
Perhaps Fulham’s best chance came in the first half, before Spurs’ first goal. Hugo Lloris denied Harrison Reid. Sometimes all it takes is one quality moment. Kane delivered that, and three points, for the Spurs on Monday.
Kane inspires Spurs to victory at Fulham
Moments of brilliance are common for Kane. The Englishman is tied on goals with Jimmy Greaves in Tottenham history. However, he nearly overtook Greaves on Tottenham’s goal table in the second half. His point-blank header was met with the leg of Bernd Leno, who kept Fulham in the game. That goal would also make him only the third player in Premier League history to reach 200 league goals.
Kane’s next chance to usurp Greaves is on January 28 in the FA Cup. Spurs travel to championship side Preston in the fourth round.
As Spurs fans celebrate three points and a record-tying goal, Kane may be delivering more good news to the North London faithful. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Kane is willing to extend his contract at Tottenham, which expires at the end of next season, if the “circumstances are right.”
Those negotiations begin after the January transfer window. You can follow the January transfer window updates on the day of the January 31 deadline. Coverage is available in the United States through Peacock.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
