The Sunday News
HARRY Kane scored a stylish hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur climbed to second place in the Premier League on Saturday with a classy 4-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion.
The England striker, who became a father for the first time last weekend, took his tally for the season to 15 goals in all competitions as Mauricio Pochettino’s side recorded a sixth successive league win.
They closed to within four points of leaders Chelsea, who visit Leicester City later on Saturday, while Arsenal moved up to third place after winning 4-0 at Swansea City.
“The first 45 minutes was fantastic. It was wonderful football,” said Spurs manager Pochettino, whose side ended Chelsea’s 13-game winning streak on their previous league outing.
“I think after Chelsea it was a big challenge to keep the momentum and show that we are mature enough to fight for big things and today was a very good example of that.”
The only low point for Spurs was an ankle injury that forced centre-back Jan Vertonghen off midway through the second half. Pochettino said the early signs looked “very bad”.
Kane put Spurs in front from Christian Eriksen’s cute pass in the 12th minute at White Hart Lane before a shot from Eriksen deflected in off Gareth McAuley for an own goal.
Kyle Walker crossed for Kane to hook in Spurs’ third goal in the 77th minute and Kane completed his hat-trick five minutes later with a volley from Dele Alli’s clever scooped pass.
“We played without Diego against Bournemouth and we have had time to prepare for this. We’ve prepared very well.”
Arsenal moved above Liverpool, who visit arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday, on goal difference after a pair of own goals helped them to victory at struggling Swansea.
Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, slamming home his fifth goal in five games after Mesut Ozil’s header hit Alfie Mawson. Results
Tottenham 4 – 0 West Brom
Watford 0 – 0 M’borough
Swansea City 0 – 4 Arsenal
Sunderland 1 – 3 Stoke City
West Ham 3 – 0 Crystal Palace
Hull City 3 – 1 Bournemouth
Burnley 1 – 0 Southampton
Leicester City 0 – 3 Chelsea
— SuperSport
