Three things we learnt as Tottenham demolished Stoke at White Hart Lane

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Harry Kane was once again the star figure for Tottenham Hotspur as they routed Stoke City with embarrassing ease on Sunday afternoon at White Hart Lane.

The England international scored three goals in the first half as he struck his third hat-trick in nine games to put the hosts in complete control before Dele Alli then added a fourth to ensure that the fixture was all but over as a contest within the opening forty-five minutes. The second period was uneventful with Spurs easing through the remainder of the game in second gear whilst Mark Hughes’ side were thankful that the score line was not extended.

Kane, who is starting to cement his position as the best English striker of his generation, was ruthless and clinical in front of goal as he took his tally for the season up to 22. He opened the scoring within the opening fifteen minutes by lashing in from close range after latching onto Ryan Shawcross’ inadvertent flick before doubling Tottenham’s lead by striking a beautiful left-footed volley into the bottom corner of the net following Christian Eriksen’s corner. His third was much more fortunate. Kane hit a hopeful, low free-kick from range which deflected wickedly off the despairing Peter Crouch, wrong-footing Lee Grant and earning the striker the match ball. Then, to round off his man of the match display, he teed up Alli who made no mistake from close range.

Stoke City offered little resistance and were out-played, outworked and out-thought by a Tottenham team that were still reeling from their exit from Europe in mid-week. The Potters were over-run by the dynamism and quality of the hosts, especially in central midfield, and this result provided a stark reminder of the limitations of Mark Hughes’ current group of players. Peter Crouch wasted their best opportunity after being denied by Hugo Loris in the first half with the game still in the balance at 1-0, however, it was a rare moment of attacking intent in a contest that Tottenham dominated.

Harry Kane continues to shine

Harry Kane continues to develop into one of the best strikers in Europe and his hat-trick against Stoke City ensures that he has now scored in excess of 20 goals for three consecutive campaigns.

The 23-year-old has now netted 102 goals at club level throughout his career, a remarkable amount considering his age, and is in red-hot form having scored 12 times in 11 games since the turn of the year. His finishing on Sunday was precise, clinical and provided the perfect offensive threat to ensure that Tottenham Hotspurs’ sweeping attacks had a positive end product. Kane also demonstrated his unselfish side, setting up Dele Alli when he could quite easily have shot himself and it was little surprise that he left the pitch to a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the second half.

Kane is undoubtedly a vital component of Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham team. He already has 22 goals this campaign and is indispensable both now and in the future.