Kane, Bale Take Tottenham Second with Win Over Brighton
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham’s Third Period Triumph
The change in momentum was not nearly as obvious here as it was when Brighton took hold of the match, but it swung again. Erik Lamela had hit the post with nearly his last touch of the game and then Harry Kane had hit the woodwork trying to convert a corner at the back post. Things were looking up for Spurs when a familiar sight was seen again.
Toby Alderweireld brought out the old six iron and was able to get free enough to launch a beautiful diagonal ball to Sergio Reguilón far on the left. The Spaniard then went to work looking up and seeing Bale near post and Kane far. Reguilón cut from his left, back to his right and then struck a sweet, short cross right to Bale near post. Having missed a chance on goal against West Ham, Gareth Bale made no mistake today as he hammered the header home like a training ground exercise. The Real Madrid connection had come through and Spurs were back on top 2-1.
There were some moments of worry as Spurs worked to see out the match, including Graham Scott again not blowing his whistle as Hugo Lloris was plowed over by Danny Welbeck. Tottenham managed to clear the ball on that occasion thanks to some solid defending by Gareth Bale. Brighton did get a free kick at 86 minutes, but Webster mistimed his jump, and his head was on goal, but was an easy looper for Lloris.
There were some more calls on both sides for some fouls, but ultimately, smart plays helped Spurs hold on. Moussa Sissoko wasted a minute dribbling to the corner and Harry Kane, who did get fouled wasted another minute. After six minutes of stoppage time Scott finally blew his whistle and the three points were all Spurs.
Spurs now sit 2nd in the table, two points off Liverpool and a point ahead of three others. This was a big win as Spurs have a busy week. From here Tottenham travel to Bulgaria for Europa League on Thursday and then go to the Hawthorns to face West Brom next Sunday. Following next Sunday’s game there will be an international break, with Spurs then off until Saturday November 21, hosting Manchester City.