Kane scored from the spot to give the Spurs a much-needed win. Image: Getty Images
It was Tottenham who came out on top in a narrow win thanks to Harry Kane’s second-half penalty. Son continued to impress with another great performance, and Tottenham kept on rolling. Here’s five things we learned from the encounter:
5. Middlesbrough Should be Worried
Having lost four of their last five, Boro sit just one point away from relegation. They got off to a good start early on in the season, but their form has been lacking to say the least; they haven’t won in seven Premier League fixtures. Boro needs to figure it out and fast, or they risk relegation back to the Championship.
4. Victor Valdes Should Have Been Sent Off
The Spanish keeper was lucky to have stayed on the pitch for the whole match, thrusting his hand into Dele Alli’s face twice. Luckily for the Spaniard, the referee was apparently oblivious, and he was allowed reprieve. We must also commend Alli for not reacting harshly as he has been known to in the past. Middlesbrough got a break this time, not a big one, but a break nonetheless.
3. Tottenham Are Not Out of the Race
The Spurs have been on fire lately, winning eight of their last ten matchups. They were patient, and they took their chances when they were given the opportunity, one of the reasons they sit second in the Premiership behind Conte’s Chelsea who produced great football with a 3-1 win over Arsenal earlier in the day. While The Blues will certainly not give the title up so easily, the Spurs could close the gap if they continue on this form. Spurs fans know all too well the feeling after relinquishing their lead atop the table last season to eventual champions Leicester City. Don’t count them out just yet. The Spurs may have something up their sleeve.
2. Kane is Still Ruthless in Front of Goal
Kane scored the decisive goal off the spot after Heung-Min Son was brought down inside the area. The English striker, although not leading the top scorers list, is just as clinical, if not more than last season. Kane is on pace for nineteen goals this season, even after missing five games due to an injury early in the season. He is averaging more goals per game than last season, adding to his total. Kane is a world-class talent, and I wholeheartedly believe that he will finish top three in the Premier League scorers list by the end of the year.
1. Son Deserves A Raise
Son was once again the man of the match for the Spurs, drawing a foul to give the Spurs a penalty and testing Valdes many times. The Korean has proved crucial for the Spurs this season, scoring seven goals and assisting three times. The Korean is definitely in a position to renegotiate his contract after a stellar season, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Korean leave if the right offer is made. Spurs fans won’t want to see the forward leave, especially after the season he’s been having.
Tottenham (4-5-1): Lloris 7; Walker 7, Dier 6.5, Alderweireld 7.5, Davies 7; Dembele 7, Wanyama 7.5; Eriksen 6.5, Alli 6 (Winks 88′), Son 8 (Sissoko 81′); Kane 7.5 (Jansen 90+’)
Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Valdes 6.5; Chambers 6, Espinosa 5.5, Gibson 5.5, Fabio 5; de Roon 5.5, Clayton 5, Forshaw 6 (Guedioura 5.5, 62′); Traore 5 (Bamford 5, 79′), Negredo 5, Downing5 (Stuani 5.5, 62′)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Other Premier League Results Today
Chelsea vs Arsenal 3-1
Watford vs Burnley 2-1
Southampton vs West Ham 1-3
Everton vs Bournemouth 6-3
West Brom vs Stoke City 1-0
Hull City vs Liverpool 2-0
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland 0-4
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