BURNLEY, United Kingdom (AFP) - Tottenham's Premier League title challenge suffered a crushing blow as Ashley Barnes' late strike sealed a shock 2-1 win for Burnley that ruined Harry Kane's goal-scoring return on Saturday (Feb 23).
Mauricio Pochettino's side would have moved within two points of leaders Manchester City with a win at Turf Moor.
But they squandered the chance to enhance their title prospects with a sloppy display that saw Chris Wood put Burnley ahead after half-time.
There was controversy about Wood's goal as it came from a corner that Tottenham felt shouldn't have been given.
But Pochettino's men had a break of their own when Kane, back after missing seven games with an ankle injury, capitalised on a throw-in that was taken in the wrong place.
At that stage, Tottenham looked poised to push on for a fifth successive league victory.
However, they paid the price for sloppy defending as Barnes struck with seven minutes left to extend Burnley's unbeaten league run to eight matches.
Â
It was a bitter blow for third placed Tottenham, who will be eight points off top spot if second placed Liverpool, currently level on points with City, win at Manchester United on Sunday.
Pochettino was fuming at full-time, confronting referee Mike Dean and his assistants on the pitch in a lengthy rant that showed his frustration at both Burnley's first goal and Tottenham's missed opportunity.
Playing for the first time in 10 days due to their early exit from the FA Cup, Tottenham were back in action after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in their previous match.
Pochettino knew his team had no margin for error if they wanted to stayed in contention and, as games against Chelsea and Arsenal loom next week, he billed the trip to Turf Moor as a "final".
With England manager Gareth Southgate watching from the stands, Kane came close to marking his return in style when he fired narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
But Tottenham were struggling to build the head of steam required to break down the well-marshalled Clarets' rearguard.
POCHETTINO PROTESTS
Kane, back to fitness ahead of schedule, grew more menacing as he shook off the rust and early in the second half the striker drew a superb tip-over from Tom Heaton when he let fly from 25 yards.
Moments later, Pochettino was fuming on the touchline as Burnley snatched the lead with Wood's seventh goal in his last 10 games in the 57th minute.
When Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen slid in to challenge Jeff Hendrick, a corner was given to Burnley even though the ball appeared to come off the Clarets man last.
From Ashley Westwood's corner, Tottenham went to sleep as Wood timed his run to climb above the statuesque Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld.
The New Zealand striker's powerful header hit the crossbar and bounced over the line before Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could react.
Pochettino complained bitterly to the fourth official, but the Argentine's protests were quelled as Tottenham grabbed a controversial goal of their own eight minutes later.
Danny Rose took a Tottenham throw from several yards further forward than the spot the ball went out, and his delivery sent Kane racing clear on goal.
Kane showed he had lost none of his predatory instincts as he held off Ben Mee and slotted a cool finish past Heaton for his 21st goal of the season and his first since early January.
Tottenham had stolen late winners in three of their last four league games, but it was Burnley who finished in the ascendency in the 83rd minute.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson seized possession in midfield and drove into the Tottenham area unchecked by the slow-to-react visitors.
Gudmundsson smashed a cross-shot towards the far post and, with Vertonghen unable to clear, Barnes had the simple task of tapping into the empty net.
It all points to Solskjaer, Football News & Top Stories - The
Klopp plays down Liverpool fatigue concerns ahead of season run-in Football; Friday, 19 Apr 2019 as securing a Premier League top-four finish last year and it could come in handy as they
Klopp plays down Liverpool fatigue concerns ahead of season
PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted Neymar is unlikely to be fit in time for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester United next month.
Neymar: 'Super difficult' for PSG forward to be fit to face
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over bottom side Huddersfield Town on Saturday, but remain the only side without an away clean she Iwobi, Lacazette lead Arsenal to win at
Alex Iwobi, Alexandre Lacazette lead Arsenal to win at
Schick was also asked about his relationship with head coach Eusebio Di Francesco - who has often deployed the 23-year-old on the right wing in order to accommodate Dzeko in his preferred central position. "Before going onto the pitch, he tells me to have fun, to be present in the game, to do what I can do.
'Expired' Molde deal to ease way for Solskjaer Related Story Football: Solskjaer has restored United's culture and identity, says former treble teammate Schmeichel
Solskjaer confirms his contract in Norway has expired
Read Destiny Beckons (1) (on hold at the moment) from the story Destiny Beckons by mysticj with 119 reads. mystery, teen, fantasy. Well hope you all enjoy this
Destiny Beckons On Senator Bukola Saraki As Next Senate
Sacked Puel says managing Leicester a 'honour' "It was my honour to work for the late and much-loved Khun Vichai, who gave me the fantastic opportunity to manage his club and share some great
Claude Puel pays to tribute to former Leicester City owner
Valencia stroll into last four with 2-0 Villarreal win. Valencia eased into the semifinals of the Europa League for the first time in five years with a comfortable 2-0 win at home Villarreal.
Valencia stroll into Europa semis with Villarreal win - CNA
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been appointed manager of League Two side Oldham Athletic on a one-and-a-half year contract. Scholes said: "I just feel ready, really. I've had
Paul Scholes: Manchester United great appointed manager of
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 28, 2019, with the headline 'Give Sarri more time and players: Hasselbaink'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Give Sarri more time and players: Hasselbaink
Japan cashed in on a defensive mix-up and a controversial penalty as they stunned favourites Iran 3-0 in the Asian Cup semi-finals to move one win away from their fifth title on Monday.'Emotional breakdown' as Japan stun imploding Iran at Asian
'Emotional breakdown' as Japan stun imploding Iran at Asian
VINCENT KOMPANY, City's captain, who is leaving on a high to become Belgian club Anderlecht's player-manager. "Zero," the Spaniard said when taking to the stage. "Now is time for good dinners and
City are the best: Kompany - theworldnews.net
A glut of European football clubs look set to visit China in pre-season, with Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur also committed to coming. Pray for no rain: Man City to return to China after
Pray for no rain: Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to return
Liverpool fans were at Anfield early on Saturday to take a closer look at the expanded Main Stand and the revamped facilities at the stadium. Check out these snaps of supporters soaking up the atmosphere ahead of the clash with Leicester City.
Tottenham vs. Liverpool: Breaking Down the UEFA Champions
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen