Harry Kane Tottenham Hat-trick Hero In Europa League Win

Harry Kane was Tottenham’s hat-trick hero in Spurs 5 – 1 win over Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League. Erik Lamela scored twice while Kane played the final minutes in goal following the dismissal of Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham Hotspur 5 Asterias Tripolis 1

Scorers: Kane (3), Lamela (2) Barrales

Team: Lloris; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Capoue, Dembele; Kane, Lamela (Eriksen), Townsend (Lennon); Adebayor (Chadli). Subs: (unused) Vorm, Chiriches, Soldado, Stambouli

Once again, it was all change for Tottenham as they took on the unexpected leaders of Group C, Asteras Tripolis of Greece, at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino made 6 changes to the team which lost at Manchester City on Saturday for Spurs third group game in the Europa League.

In a must-win game for Tottenham who have drawn their opening two matches Jan Vertonghen and Ben Davies returned in defence with Mousa Dembele partnering Etienne Capoue in central midfield. Harry Kane and Andros Townsend flanked Erik Lamela with Emmanuel Adebayor reclaiming his striker role.

Asteras Tripolis drew their opening match against Besiktas in Turkey and defeated Partizan Belgrade 2 – 0 in their home game.

It was a mild October evening and Tottenham managed to stroll to a comfortable win which takes them to joint top in Group C but as usual with Spurs there would be a few scares along the way. The first came after 5 minutes when Asteras broke quickly from a Spurs corner and poor defending by Capoue allowed them through on goal but the shot went well wide.

A minute later Harry Kane fired wide from outside the penalty area. In the 12th minute The Under-21 striker got his sights on target to score the opening goal, firing across the goalkeeper. Tottenham were comfortable in possession with the Greek side sitting deep, waiting to dispossess them or take advantage of a poor pass.

After 18 minutes, a ball played behind the Spurs defence was met by Hugo Lloris, heading clear from just outside his area. Tottenham almost added a second in the 22nd minute when Capoue burst through on goal but was left punching the ground in frustration when the ball broke to the goalkeeper at the last moment.

Spurs continued with their patient passing and possession but frequently taking one touch too many and after 29 minutes it looked as if that had happened again when the ball went out to Lamela, twenty yards from goal. The Argentina managed to score a most outrageous goal from 20 yards, striking the ball with his left foot wrapped behind his right leg.

This put Tottenham in complete control but they had to avoid over confidence and be aware of swift counter-attacks which caused them a few problems as they pushed more men forward.

There was good and bad from Lamela when he broke forward in the 36th minute with options to his right and left. He delayed his pass and chose the wrong option as Kane had strayed offside with Adebayor free on his right.

Erik Lamela [Photo: Jav The_Doc_66]The second half continued in a similar fashion and after 66 minutes Lamela added the third and his second. His first shot was blocked but he made no mistake with the rebound, volleying home from 12 yards.

No Tottenham victory would be complete without a wonder save from Lloris and it came two minutes after the goal. The ball was lifted over the Spurs defence and met with a first time volley but the France international got his hand to the ball and put it out for a corner.

Harry Kane Hat-trick

Harry Kane added the fourth with 15 minutes remaining, heading home from a cross by defender Federico Fazio and completed his hat-trick 6 minutes later when Dembele’s shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, the young striker was on hand to score from close in.