Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with Harry Kane’s performance as a substitute in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday.
Dele Alli’s penalty – the midfielder’s first Premier League goal since March 2020 – proved decisive at Molineux as Nuno took over his former club.
Spurs talisman Kane, a transfer target for Manchester City, missed the first two games of the season – a win against the Champions and a loss to Pacos de Ferreira in Europa League qualifying – but returned to an enthusiastic reception from the traveling support.
Kane came on in the 72nd minute and perhaps showed why Nuno was reluctant to call on him so far, away from transfer speculation.
It has been widely reported that Kane would like to join City, but the 28-year-old has also only had a week of training since returning from an extended hiatus after Euro 2020.
Kane made 14 touches, attempted nine passes and landed a shot while on the pitch – Jose Sa closed a close range effort from the England captain.
The opportunity, brilliantly created by Steven Bergwijn, had an expected goals estimate (xG) of 0.336, making it the second-best chance of the game in open play, after an attempt that Adama Traore pierced directly to Hugo Lloris at the other side. .
While a fully sacked Kane would no doubt have converted the opportunity, Nuno was nonetheless happy with what the forward showed in his cameo.
“I think he did well. He helped the team. He had a good chance,” Nuno said at a press conference.
“Harry is always increasing and improving his level of fitness, but because he is one of the best players in the world, you can see how he has helped the team in terms of possession and fine lines. We need everyone, we need everyone. “
Asked if Kane would be involved in Spurs’ home game with Pacos de Ferreira on Thursday, Nuno replied: “I can’t answer, it’s too early.
“Now we’re going to recover and prepare for the next one. Like we’re always doing the same way and making the decisions that we need to make.”
While Kane made his comeback, it was Alli who made the difference. After an impressive performance against City last week, the midfielder coldly converted the shot on goal in the ninth minute he won.
Tottenham have lost just one of their 45 Premier League games Alli has scored in (W35 D9 L1), and Nuno praised the 25-year-old’s performance.
“He works very hard. I think the whole team is working hard,” Nuno said.
“We still have a long way to go and are working very hard to improve the relationship between the players and be quite versatile.
“He scored early in the game and in the closing minutes of the game he was running all over the pitch which shows his level of fitness and his conviction. Huge, huge help.”
