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| Harry Kane’s second-half strike stole Tottenham a 1-0 win against Qarabag in the Europa League, to confirm qualification from Group J. |
The Azerbaijani side made it tough for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, containing the Premier League outfit well but the England forward’s decisive goal handed the visitors all three points to confirm their place in the knockout stages.
Kane netted in his sixth consecutive game for the north Londoners and it came after heavy pressure from the visitors, who eventually found an opening from a set piece, Christian Eriksen’s corner was pinpoint and Heung-min Son’s flick on was delightful.
Kane could then convert from close range with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Before the game, Pochettino had bemoaned the schedule given to his side, as their Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday has been moved to midday. But Danny Murphy told talkSPORT that the Argentinean should have foreseen the long trip and planned ahead.
The in-form Premier League side fielded a strong XI, with the likes of Eriksen and Kane included, while Dele Alli unsurprisingly started as the England youngster is suspended for the weekend match against Jose Mourinho’s Blues.
The north Londoners went into the tie one point clear of second-placed Monaco, and three ahead of joint-third Anderlecht and Qarabag.
Ryan Mason had Spurs’ first chance when his 20-yard strike was well saved by shot-stopper Ibrahim Sehic, with his next effort sailing over the bar minutes later.
South Korean forward Son made some lively runs behind the home defence but his movments were early as he was beaten by the offside trap on two occasions.
The hosts sat deep in the first half, containing Spurs well and a quick counter attack nearly saw them take the lead before the break. Dani Quintana was set free on the right, and he opted to go alone rather than passing to the two team-mates making a run alongside him, and Lloris was on hand to save well.
Pochettino’s men emerged for the second half livelier, Alli’s effort in the box was blocked before Eriksen pulled an 18-yard shot past the post.
Son's strike was soon tipped against the bar by shot-stopper Sehic before Alli hit the post with his half-volleyed effort.
It could have been one of those frustrating European nights but Spurs could sense an opening and it came after 78 minutes.
Kane rose to head home his ninth goal in six games when Son met Eriksen’s corner at the near post for a well-worked goal to steal all three points from a hard-working Qarabag side.
Elsewhere in Group J, Monaco were beaten 2-0 at home to Anderlecht.
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