Irrepressible Harry Kane hits brace as Tottenham crush Huddersfield

Harry Kane’s fine form continued as his first-half brace helped Tottenham to a 4-0 win at Huddersfield, marking their fourth consecutive away win of the season.

Kane opened his account after nine minutes, taking advantage of Jonas Lossl’s generous defending of his near post. The England striker was then involved in some sumptuous build-up play as Ben Davies scored his third goal of the season, before he converted his thirteenth goal of September with a superb left-footed curling effort from outside the box.

The Terriers had started positively when Tommy Smith struck low from distance, but they were soon overwhelmed by Tottenham’s smooth build-up play and incisive attacks. In 23 minutes, the home team had conceded as many goals as they had in the entirety of their opening six Premier League games.

Tottenham’s scintillating display in the opening half an hour was as good as any Premier League performance of the season thus far. For all their attempts to push forward, Huddersfield gave Hugo Lloris very little to do – particularly as the intensity decreased in the second half.

The result was sealed in injury time as substitute Moussa Sissoko bundled a deflected shot over the line.

It was Huddersfield’s toughest Premier League test of the campaign so far—and a wake-up call to the kind of quality that will await them between now and May.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will regard themselves as viable title candidates, having evidently improved upon the away form that proved to be their downfall last season.

Kane may have been denied his seventh hat-trick of 2017, but the 24-year-old finds himself in incredible form right now. His second strike against Huddersfield was his 84th Premier League goal—the same tally Cristiano Ronaldo managed in England. Only Lionel Messi has scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Is Harry Kane the best striker in Europe right now? Would we even be having this debate if he didn’t hold a British passport?

Huddersfield: Lossl 4, Smith 6, Zanka 6, Schindler 6, Lowe 5, Mooy 6, Hogg 6, Kachunga 5, Van La Parra 6, Ince 5, Depoitre 6. Subs: Malone 6, Whitehead 5, Billing 5.

Tottenham: Lloris 7, Trippier 8, Alderweireld 8, Sanchez 7, Vertonghen 6, Davies 8, Dier 8, Winks 7, Eriksen 8, Alli 7, Kane 9. Subs: Walker-Peters 6, Sissoko 7, Son 6.

9 - GOAL: On the counter, Harry Kane breaks away with Lowe nowhere near him. He slots home at the near post.

16 - GOAL: Kane flicks a pass to Eriksen, who finds Ben Davies running into the box from the left. He slots low past Lossl. Incredible build-up play and movement from Spurs.

20 - CHANCE: Lossl has a nightmare. He miskicks and the ball slips into Kane's path. He does well to smother the ball at Kane's feet.

23 - GOAL: It's that man Kane again! Spurs pass comfortably around the middle third before Kane is picked out. He beats three men on the outside of the box and curls in a left-footed shot from 25 yards. Absolutely outstanding.

49 - CHANCE: Eriksen finds Kane on the edge of the six yard box but Schindler blocks. The ball rolls out for a corner, but Kane squanders his chance for a perfect hat-trick when the corner lands at his feet.

90 - GOAL: Alli breaks once again and he finds Son, who picks out Ben Davies who delivers a great ball to Sissoko. His shot deflects off Schindler on its way to the net.

Mauricio Pochettino has won 58 points from newly-promoted teams since taking charge in 2014 (19 wins, one draw and no losses).

Kieran Trippier has more assists than any other Premier League defender this season. Six of his eight assists have been for Harry Kane.

Sissoko’s goal was his first for the club in 44 games.