Tottenham bounced back from a string of underwhelming performances with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
The match was evenly poised until the 45th minute, when Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game with a trademark header, his 209th goal in the Premier League.
This record-breaking goal saw Kane surpass Wayne Rooney and become the second-highest scorer in the league’s history.
It was Kane’s 26th goal in the league this season and if it was not for the goal scoring machine Erling Haaland, Kane would have been leading the race to win yet another golden boot.
The goal proved to be decisive and helped Tottenham end their three-match winless run. It also halted Palace’s unbeaten streak under the experienced Roy Hodgson.
Following the match, Hodgson spoke highly of Kane and his game-changing abilities. He credited the striker’s moment of brilliance as the turning point in the game.
Hodgson also praised Kane’s overall game and his potential to break Alan Shearer’s goal scoring record. The former England manager noted that Kane had continuously improved since making his debut for the national team and had been a force to reckon with.
He said (via BBC Sports):
“He always scored in my four years previously at Palace. A real talent of a goal from a transitional situation. The way he got the ball and volleyed it into that space. We know how good he is in the air and he showed it again. His moment of brilliance won the game.”
“He’s a fine player. What he has done for this club has been enormous. Since he made his debut for England when we were with the England team he has gone from strength to strength. He is still a young man and I’m pretty certain Alan [Shearer] needs to be concerned because Harry will be breathing down his neck.”
Despite his brilliance on the pitch, Kane’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain. The prolific striker has only one year left in his current contract, and with no renewal talks underway, the rumors about his potential departure have intensified.
Manchester United has emerged as the front-runner for his signature, but Bayern Munich and PSG have also shown interest in the England captain.
Losing Kane would be a significant blow for Tottenham, who are in the process of rebuilding under a new manager and sporting director.
As they plan for the future, they must make every effort to keep their star player at the club.