Harry Kane scored his 266th goal in a Spurs kit against Fulham. The only goal of the game leveled Kane with Jimmy Greaves for the most in Tottenham history.
More importantly in the short term, the goal provided Spurs a massive three points against a London rival. It solidifies Tottenham’s spot in fifth place, three points behind Manchester United. Conte’s side has a five-point lead on Brighton. The Seagulls have played two fewer games, though.
The lone goal of the game came in stoppage time of the first half, a new trend adopted by Tottenham. Spurs scored twice at the end of the first half against Manchester City. Unlike that game at the Etihad, Spurs managed to hold on to its lead at Craven Cottage.
Harry Kane picked up the ball with his back to goal just outside the 18-yard box. Defended by American Tim Ream, Kane turned left and fired seemingly a blind shot perfectly past the left side of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The record-tying goal was surely one of Kane’s best for Spurs.
Fulham, despite flying forward with Willian down one side and Bobby Reid down the other, could never quite find an equalizer. In true Antonio Conte fashion, Spurs hunkered down, preventing even sniffs at goal from Fulham.
Perhaps Fulham’s best chance came in the first half, before Spurs’ opener. Hugo Lloris denied Harrison Reid. Sometimes, all it takes is one moment of major quality. Kane delivered that, and three points, for Spurs on Monday.
Kane inspires Spurs to victory at Fulham
Moments of brilliance are commonplace for Kane. The Englishman is level on goals with Jimmy Greaves in Tottenham history. However, he almost topped Greaves in the Tottenham goal charts in the second half. His header from point blank range met the paw of Bernd Leno, who kept Fulham in the game. That goal would also make him just the third player in Premier League history to reach 200 league goals.
The next chance Kane will have to usurp Greaves is on Jan. 28 in the FA Cup. Spurs travels to Championship side Preston in the fourth round.
While Spurs fans celebrate three points and a record-tying goal, Kane may be delivering more good news to the North London faithful. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Kane is willing to extend his contract at Tottenham, which expires at the end of next season, if the ‘circumstances are right.’
Those negotiations start after the January transfer window. You can follow along with January transfer window updates on deadline day on Jan. 31. Coverage is available in the United States via Peacock.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $7.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season