Kane return sparks instant Spurs revival as Mourinho’s men fizz past West Brom

Harry Kane Tottenham

Harry Kane made an instant impact upon his return to the team as Tottenham ended a run of three successive defeats by beating West Brom 2-0.

The England captain‘s absence after limping off midway through the match against Liverpool had directly contributed to their dip in form.

Indeed, his comeback from his ankle issues on Sunday added more proof – if any was needed – about how crucial he is to Jose Mourinho’s team.

West Brom dug in during the first half and had the ball in the back of the net twice, but the offside flag was raised on both occasions.

Following his injury, Kane was hungry to get back on the scoresheet and had three chances within the first 20 minutes.

In the first instance, his shot hit the bar before he dragged a slow shot wide of the right post. But while he got in again, his deflected shot was cleared.

Harry Kane Tottenham

Serge Aurier then had a header clawed away by Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, but the visitors were largely untroubled as their compact defence left no gaps for Jose Mourinho‘s men.

Despite West Brom lacking in possession, a late first-half spell with the ball almost came to fruition.

Mbaye Diagne found himself in space and his header forced a big save from Hugo Lloris.

Spurs kept up the momentum in the second half, Son having a shot saved by Johnstone after only 17 seconds.

Kane key as Spurs pressure tells

Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura Tottenham

But as the pressure built, the hosts took the lead on 54 minutes.

Kane latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, set the ball with his left foot and finished with his right from just inside the area.

Four minutes later, Son made it 2-0, finishing off a typical Spurs break. Kane’s lay-off with his chest allowed Lucas Moura to break away and the Brazilian found his fellow forward, who fired past Johnstone.

West Brom had to come out of their shell and an instant response from Diagne, who beat Lloris with his second headed attempt, was ruled out for offside.

Diagne then had another effort chalked off, with the linesman’s flag up again after he controlled with his chest and finished coolly.

But Spurs largely continued their domination for an important three points after their recent drop-off. West Brom, meanwhile, remained second-bottom.