Sporting striker Paulinho delivers his verdict on Tottenham’s Harry Kane after facing him last night

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Harry Kane was unable to stop Tottenham falling to a 2-0 Champions League group stage defeat against Sporting last night.

Two late goals from Paulinho and Arthur saw a potentially creditable draw turn into a first loss since April for Antonio Conte’s men.

Goalscorer Paulinho spoke to Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol after the game and hailed Kane despite his goalless night in Lisbon.

Sporting striker Paulinho hails Tottenham talisman Kane

He said: “It was a perfect night, come in, score and above and win the game… it’s perfect. Now is the time to recover.

“Tomorrow there is training and then we have a game with Boavista. We have to think about that one now. The approach has to be the same; to work, regardless of the opponent.

“We respect all opponents, but we’re not afraid. [Kane] is an excellent player, but it’s not just him, they have an amazing team.

“Six points out of a posible six; now we have to win the next, against Marseille, who have the same points in the league as Paris Saint-Germain.”

It was an odd night for Tottenham. At times, Sporting looked fantastic, passing the ball around them slickly and looking more dangerous.

But Spurs were value for a draw and had their own opportunities to win the game. The frustration for Conte will be that none of them fell to Kane.

The England captain has been in good form this season, and it is the performances of Son Heung-min which are the most concerning up front at the moment.