Harry Kane became Tottenham’s all-time top scorer, overtaking the great Jimmy Greaves, as his 267th goal for the club rattled Manchester City’s title ambitions at a noisy Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The England captain reached the landmark with a calm finish from 10 yards out after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg did exceptionally well to find Kane inside the box.
Fans jumped out of their seats to cheer the 29-year-old striker, whose first Spurs goal came on December 15, 2011, as a message appeared on the scoreboard inside the floor which read “Congratulations Harry Kane”.
The 15th-minute finish was also Kane’s 200th on the Premier League stage – only Alan Shearer (260 goals) and Wayne Rooney (208) have scored more.
He came against the run of play and with Spurs boss Antonio Conte recovering at home after surgery to remove his gallbladder.
Tottenham, who finished with 10 men after defender Cristian Romero was sent off in the 87th minute for two bookable fouls, dug deep into their Italian coach’s absence to frustrate City.
Pep Guardiola’s side missed the chance to cut Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the table after the Gunners’ defeat at Everton on Saturday.
Riyad Mahrez came closest to equalizing with an attempt that shot under the bar but City are without a point – and without a goal – in five visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While they remain five points behind Arsenal after playing one more game, Tottenham’s win puts them one point behind fourth-placed Newcastle.
A suitable frame for a landmark
Kane celebrated his historic goal with all the excitement of an 18-year-old – the age he was when he scored Spurs’ first goal against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League 12 years ago.
It was fitting for him to show up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of his club’s fans, who let out an almighty roar as the ball flew past City goalkeeper Ederson.
Kane’s 267 goals came in 416 games while Greaves reached 266 after 379 games.
The only disappointment was that his manager Conte was not present inside the pitch to witness the goal.
The Italian was out after his operation, with his assistant Cristian Stellini taking charge against City.
Kane’s teammates and the Tottenham coaching staff remained on the pitch after the final whistle as the striker was interviewed on the pitch and savored the moment.
More soon.
- Our coverage of your Premier League club is bigger and better than ever – here’s all you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
