Tottenham tighten grip on second as Harry Kane scores twice against Everton

A brace from Harry Kane helped take Spurs to within seven points of top spot and four clear of third, recording a club record ninth straight home win in the process. Though the 3-2 scoreline was close, they were far too good for a disappointing Everton.

The visitors actually started the game fairly well, unable to achieve much going forward but limiting Spurs to crosses and pot-shots. But then on 20 minutes, Kane took possession with his back to goal, turned, moved, and thrashed home a brilliant dipper that Joel Robles ought to have got nearer to saving.

Though the lead stayed at one for more than half an hour, Spurs were excellent in the period, and when Robles rolled Morgan Schneiderlin into trouble, Dele Alli robbed him, fed Kane, and that was 2-0.

So poor were Everton that Romelu Lukaku was barely in the game, but when Ross Barkley finally delivered a suitable pass, he held off Jan Vertonghen to finish classily. Everton, though, could not muster much pressure thereafter, and Alli was given ridiculous space to reseal the points in injury-time - though Enner Valencia still managed to give the scoreline a more respectable look than his side's performance merited.

Both this week and last, decent outfits have come to White Hart Lane and folded; when criticising them, it is also worth noting the common factor.

Will Spurs change at Wembley? Spurs' system works brilliantly in the tight environs of White Hart Lane - their home record is the best in the league. But they have let themselves down away from home - and in Europe, at home. Given that next season, they will play at Wembley Stadium, Maurico Pochettino might need to buy and integrate a winger or two.

Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) Lifted his team-mates by delivering a goal out of nothing, which transformed a tight game, then added another for good measure. A very, very good player.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris 6, Walker 7, Dier 6, Aderweireld 6, Vertonghen 7, Davies 7, Wanyama 6, Dembele 6, Eriksen 6, Alli 6, Kane 8. Subs: Winks 6, Sissoko 6, Janssen 6.

Everton: Robles 5, Coleman 5, Williams 5, Fues Mori 5, Baines 5, Barry 5, Gueye 5, Schneiderlin 5, Barkley 5, Lukaku 6, Davies 5. Subs: Mirallas 6, McCarthy 6, Valencia 6.

Harry Kane has scored the opening goal in seven Premier League games this season, more than any other player.

Spurs are the only side in the Premier League yet to lose at home this season, recording 11 wins and two draws.

20’ - WHAT A GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Everton (Kane) Spurs work the ball from side to side, but when Kane takes it, back to goal, left side of the box, whatever. But he turns, no one bothers closing down, and so he moves into space a little more central before lamping a dipper that flies in at the near post, halfway up. Maybe Robles should've done better, but that was suuuuch a strike.

22’ - CHANCE! And Kane nearly scores again! He juggles with the ball on the far right of the box, flicks inside to Eriksen, then takes it back. He's got a sight of goal now, but takes a touch and then, with Williams coming across, sits him down in hilarious fashion before firing into Robles. Eriksen then crumps the rebound over the top.

40’ - CHANCE! And Spurs nearly score again! Walker drills a crossfielder to Davies, whose control is awry. But Coleman chucks himself into the bouncing ball like a child, misses it, and allows his man to clip over a cross - Eriksen allows it to hit his forehead, trying to guide a finish into the far corner - but it drifts just wide.

56’ - GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton (Kane) Oh dear! Robles rolls the ball out straight, to Schneiderlin, and with Alli and Dembele converging, he tries a little square pass to Williams, who wants no such thing. So Alli intercedes, plays in Kane at inside-left, and he opens his body to plant a low finish inside the far post.

81’ - GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Everton (Lukaku) What's this! Barkley sweeps a ball into Lukaku, who is far too strong for Vertonghen, leaving him eating the grass before guiding a firm sidefooter across Lloris. Out of nowhere we have ourselves a ball-game!

90+2’ - GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Everton (Alli) Everton are a joke. Spurs win a free-kick on the right, just outside the box, which Winks clips in while Alli, nips into the space between Baines and Coleman. The ball arrives nicely, he flicks it past Robles, and this is over again.

90+3’ - GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Everton (Valencia) Another free-kick, clipped into the box, and there's Valencia to sweep home.