Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both kicked started the New Year with crucial three points, with comfortable wins over Watford and Crystal Palace respectively.
Harry Kane’s blistering run of form in recent years has propelled the club into the right direction and he is often compared with one of the best finishers in London. Apart from the current contenders, the England international has achieved something to match the Gunner’s all-time top scorer and legend Thierry Henry.
The Spurs striker recorded his 100th Premier League appearance last time out when his side ran riot at Vicarage Road with a 4-1 scoreline. He, once again, was a bedrock in their victory, notching his 58th and 59th goal in the league.
Some might have guessed already, Henry too scored 59 goals in 100 appearances in England’s top flight. The France forward was one of the best finishers during his era and one could presumptuously say that no one has actually replaced or come close to clone him, even at Arsenal.
At the age of 23, Kane still has a long road ahead. Last season’s Golden Boot winner has already found the back of the net 10 times and laid on two assists so far. It’s a respectable return as he missed 5 league games due to injury. His importance was further highlighted when Vincent Janssen failed to replicate his AZ Alkmaar form during his absence. Besides, the Lilywhites as a whole lacked ideas up front. And once he returned to the starting XI, he made goal scoring look easy.
If he continues his sublime form, since he has also penned a contract extension with the north London club, he could reach similar heights just like Henry and will be stamped as an idol at White Hart Lane. However, there was a surprising rumour not long ago that Manchester United are weighing up a whopping £80 million bid to lure Kane over to Old Trafford.
What the Spurs’ vice-captain needs to work on is his country form as he was below par in the Euro 2016. Juggling between club and country duties is an uphill task but that’s what draw a line between a good player and a legend.
Speaking of record, Arsenal will be hoping that Kane & Co. will go all out to defeat Chelsea at White Hart Lane. If the table toppers secure their 14th victory on the trot, they would usurp Arsene Wenger side’s consecutive win record of 13 matches. Mauricio Pochettino’s men too will be looking to build on their 4-match winning streak which they scored 13 goals and only concede 3.
Both teams play a high tempo brand of football and their defensive record is remarkable too. Being managers who aren’t hesitant of tweaking the formation, it would be interesting to see if Pochettino and Antonio Conte churn out a blueprint to nullify threats from Kane and league top scorer’ Diego Costa.
