Hurri-Kane strikes late on for Spurs as they salvage all three points at the Hawthorns

West Brom put in a resilient defensive performance, but a certain Harry Kane popped up with another goal contribution in the 88th minute to secure Spurs a 1-0 win at the Hawthorns.

The game was tightly contested between the two sides. West Brom had the better chances in the first half as Spurs tried to create opportunities.

As the second half commenced the London club looked to get into their step and attack the West Brom goal with everything they had.

Sergio Reguilon tried a few times, Giovani Lo Celso missed from close range. Gareth Bale and Heung-min Son had attempts of their own aswell.

There was two minutes to go plus stoppage time and Hurri-Kane struck. Matt Doherty got the ball in line with the edge of the box on the right-hand side as the full-back swung a cross that Kane connected with and dinked the on-rushing Sam Johnstone.

That goal was Kane’s 150th goal in the Premier League which moves him into the top ten all-time scorers since the league was rebranded back in 1992.

Kane played all around the pitch winning headers in defence, providing crucial hold-up play and passes in midfield whilst having shots and ultimately scoring a goal to seal the deal.

The striker has taken on a deeper role this season under Jose Mourinho and Spurs’ start striker has flourished.

He provides support in midfield when they are overrun and bursts forward with Son and Bale alongside him.

Being 6’2″ helps the England international in his hold up play as was evident in the West Brom game. Jose Mourinho relies on Kane’s forward ability to hold the ball up and be able to pick a pass to one of his teammates.

In the whole 90 minutes, Kane participated in 19 duels which were more or less split half and half. He won nine of them and lost ten.

In addition to that, his presence was seen at the back when Spurs were in need of clearances as the striker made two headed clearances which were only bettered by Tottenham’s back four of Reguilon (4), Doherty (3), Toby Alderweireld (3), Eric Dier (5) alongside Tottenham’s defensive midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (3).

Following on from that, he’s started all eight Premier League games for Spurs and has recorded seven goals and eight assists already this season.

He’s made 18 key passes already this season which is only nine less than last season’s tally and we are not even halfway through the season.

A large asset that has been added into Harry Kane’s game this year is his vision and the ability to pick out a long ball over the top of the opposing defenders.

Making four key passes and three long balls against West Brom shows that Kane has transformed into more of a playmaking forward.

His 15 goal contributions (seven goals and eight assists) is nearly the same amount that he got last season which stands at 20 (18 goals and two assists). To reiterate, we are not even halfway through the season.

Son and Bale are playing as the advanced forwards. Against West Brom, a 4-2-3-1 formation was in play but at times it looked like a 4-1-2-3 with Kane deep as a central forward with Gareth Bale and Heung-min Son on either wing.

Kane looked for their runs as both are pacy and the striker constantly searched for a ball over the top of the West Brom defence.

The vision and passing were all out on display, but Kane ultimately came out with a goal that puts him joint-ninth in the all-time Premier League scorers list.

He has also been involved in 15 of the 19 goals that Spurs have scored in the Premier League this season. Most of the goals come from Kane and it proves how versatile in the new role he is.

With Kane’s new playmaking role and the sheer amount of goal contributions he’s been getting into it is a matter of time of when and if he can

Kane’s new role has produced even greater heights than previous seasons for the England man. Whether he can surpass his best season for goal contributions from 2016/17 (29 goals and seven assists) remains to be seen but the 27-year-old is a joy to watch.

A tough spell starting with Manchester City arrives after the international break, Kane the key to any success Jose Mourinho’s side may enjoy this season.

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