Harry Kane’s 200th Goal Helps Lead Tottenham over Ludogorets

Tottenham Hotspur needed to get back on track in Europa League, Harry Kane made that easy as the talisman scored his 200th club goal for Spurs in a 3-1 win.

It was not a perfect night for Tottenham Hotspur, as Spurs failed to keep a clean sheet. Additionally, we have seen Tottenham play much more clinically than they did as Spurs probably could have had five or more on a different evening. However, both Lucas Moura and Harry Kane provided a goal and assist – providing for each other – and Giovani Lo Celso score were enough to take Tottenham over Ludogorets 1945 Razgrad in Europa League. So how did things transpire for Spurs in Bulgaria.

Big Night for Harry Kane

Coming in there was the chance this might be a big night for Harry Kane. Not only was Kane captain of the club tonight – Hugo Lloris had the night off – but he was making his 300th appearance for the club on a night with a chance for scoring his 200th club goal. Kane had opportunities early and often in the half he played. Additionally, on a different night Kane might have had 2 or even 3 assists, but Spurs did enough.

Harry Kane got his first off barely a minute into the half. As the ball went into Bale up front and played back to Harry Winks, Kane played third man running. Winks chipped the ball perfectly over the defense meeting Kane near the six. Uncharacteristically, Kane missed the chance and the ball sailed well over off his volley. Spurs were unlucky not to score and Ludogorets was lucky not to concede less than 2 minutes in, but for Kane and Spurs chances would keep coming.

Kane Goes for 200

After a few minutes of dominating possession and some nice play from our midfield of Moussa Sissoko, Harry Wink, and Giovani Lo Celso. As the ball zipped around the park, players were finding space. Harry Kane found some of this space about 30 yards out from goal some five minutes into the game. Kane turned looked up took and touch and fired. Iliev Ivanov was late to jump and was clearly beaten, however unfortunately for Kane and Spurs, the ball pinged directly off the right goal post and back into the field of play. Kane was clearly disappointed he had missed yet again in his drive for 200.

Some seven minutes later the moment finally came for Tottenham and Harry Kane. Spurs has earned a corner as some scrambling defense blocked a Lucas Moura shot. Moura took the ensuing corner, which sailed perfectly into the box, where a line of three Spurs jumped for the ball. As the ball whizzed just over the head of Eric Dier, in came Kane and headed to toward the net. Ivanov got a good jump on the ball and parried it with two hands, but the force of the header was too much as it bounded into the goal. As everyone celebrated, you could see a bit of relief for Kane, who certainly wanted the milestone, but did not want it to be a burden. Clearly it was not.

Tottenham Talisman Provides

At about 24 minutes Kane has broken in and crossed the ball to Lucas Moura. Somehow, a defender came in late and managed to stifle Moura’s tap-in, bouncing the ball to Matt Doherty whose blast was right at Ivanov and was deflected over the bar. Less than 10 minutes later, Kane would again set up Lucas Moura, only this time, the tap in was the result.

Sissoko won the ball near midfield and passed back to Toby Alderweireld. As was the game plan all night, Toby looked up and hit the ball long to Gareth Bale. Bale controlled the ball, turned, and played Kane in behind the defense down the right side of the penalty box. Kane maybe could have shot, but instead hit an inch perfect square ball pass Ivanov to a space where only the flashing Lucas Moura could arrive first and the Brazilian buried the ball in the net for the 2-0 Spurs lead.

It probably should have been 4 or 5 at that point, but two was not bad. Harry Kane managed two more shots on target before his evening was over, but both were saved. A nice cross from the right was headed back into the box to Kane by Bale, but Harry’s header was straight at Ivanov and saved. Then Kane was in on the right and went for it, but his shot was blocked.

Overall a memorable evening for Harry Kane – who was subbed for Vinicius at the half – but knowing the talisman, he will likely stew on those he missed more than celebrate number 200. Club Hall of Famer Bobby Smith is the next milestone for Harry Kane as at goal 208 he ties and at 209 he passes Smith for second all-time in club history. Heck not that Kane has hit 200 Jimmy Greeves hollowed 266 does not seem that far away.  However, Smith and Greeves are conversations for another time, for now, we need to celebrate and enjoy the privilege we have as Spurs fans for enjoying the Harry Kane experience.