Harry Kane has returned to Tottenham as Dele Alli’s first Premier League goal since March 2020 secured a 1-0 victory over former Nuno Espirito Santo club Wolves.
Kane, a target for Manchester City, did not take part in Spurs’ defeat to the Champions on Matchday 1 or their loss to Pacos de Ferreira in midweek, although the England captain came on in the match. 72nd minute in Molineux.
While speculation will undoubtedly continue to mount as the transfer window draws to a close, Kane received a warm welcome from traveling Spurs fans as he helped Nuno maintain his winning league start.
As Kane missed an incredible chance to settle the game late in the game, Alli’s ninth-minute penalty finally proved decisive – Adama Traore wasting Wolves’ best opportunity.
After dealing admirably with Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish last week, Japhet Tanganga was tasked with keeping track of Traore this time around, although he got a scare first when the winger cut inside, to then flambé wide.
Wolves’ brilliant start was quickly cut short – Jose Sa collided with Alli, who stepped in to score the resulting kick.
Making his first Premier League appearance at Molineux since November 2020, Raul Jimenez almost equalized before the half hour mark, his first effort touching, before Alli was a few inches from entering Steven Bergwijn’s cross.
Nelson Semedo – who previously had a hopeful penalty appeal dismissed – tried his luck from a distance as Wolves started the second half with intent, the venomous strike from the full-back hissing wide.
Spurs could have led 2-0 soon after, with Son Heung-min clearing, but Maximilian Kilman crossed to block the forward’s path.
Traore should have made Spurs pay as he faced Hugo Lloris one-on-one, only to then send his arrival straight to the goalkeeper.
Kane’s introduction drew songs of appreciation from Spurs fans, although he displayed rare profligacy when he was executed by Bergwijn – Sa making a smart double save to keep the Wolves in, but the goalkeeper’s efforts weren’t enough to inspire a comeback.
What does it mean? Kane back, but for how long?
One of the summer transfer sagas looks set to end. Champions City want Kane and he wants to join Pep Guardiola’s side but, so far, Tottenham have shown no signs of blinking.
While another offer from City is expected before the end of the month, if Kane stays put, Tottenham will be hopeful that they can keep up the momentum from what has been a promising start in the league for Nuno. Here, he replaced his old team in the 100th meeting between Spurs and Wolves in all competitions.
Alli is banking on a positive start
A key part of the Spurs squad under Mauricio Pochettino, Alli was a marginal figure under Jose Mourinho and limited to just 15 league appearances last season.
However, after an impressive performance in a more defensive role against City, the 25-year-old recalled his quality with another brilliant performance on Sunday and scored the goal – his first in the top flight since scoring against Burnley. March 7, 2020. Spurs have lost just one of the last 45 Premier League games Alli scored in (W35 D9 L1).
Traoré inflates his lines
In his record 300th Premier League appearance for Spurs, Lloris surely had to expect him to catch the ball in his net when Traore broke through in the 61st minute.
However, the Spain winger took an awkward first touch and found his angle tight, with Lloris managing to reduce the lucky expected number of goals (xG) to 0.333. Traore’s result was still mediocre, however, based on what turned out to be the game’s second best chance in open play – Kane’s late miss registering an xG of 0.336.
And after?
Spurs host Pacos de Ferreira on Thursday in the return leg of their Europa League qualifier, having to close a 1-0 deficit. Meanwhile, Wolves have just over 48 hours left to play Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
