Harry Kane gutted not to get three despite brilliant brace as Tottenham thrash West Ham

Harry Kane was irresistible as Tottenham racked up an impressive win

HARRY KANE immediately set his sights on dishing out some capital punishment to Chelsea next week after two goals in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-1 win over West Ham established him as London’s derby hot-shot.

 

The brace – his eighth in the last five games - took his tally in capital clashes to 12 in 14. That is a ratio of 0.86 goals per game compared to Thierry Henry, whose 43 goals came at only at 0.73 per game.

“That was probably the best performance we have had this season,” Kane said. “As a striker when your confidence is high you feel like you're going to score every game. I enjoy the atmosphere of these games and today I could have had a couple more.

“I tried to put my foot through a chance just before the break and probably got a bit excited. I'll be punching myself that I didn't get the hat-trick. But the most important thing is we're winning by playing well.”

 

Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker added to the tally before Manuel Lanzini scored a late consolation for West Ham, with the only sour note for Spurs being the needless booking for Dele Alli after an altercation with Mark Noble which rules the England international out for next week’s visit of Chelsea.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said: “He is young. He has played barely a dozen games in the Premier League and is only 19. He has a strong character but is always fighting inside. We were winning 3-0 at the time, but he is young and football is about experienced. I am sure he will be more relaxed next time.”

Overall, Pochettino congratulated his players for “one of the best performances of the season”, feeling they showed that they can snatch a Champions League place this season.

 

Kane might have had three, had he not scuffed a left-footed effort

 

Toby Alderweireld dealt with Andy Carroll at one end, and scored at the other

“We have quality enough, but football is about mental state – a lot of components you need to manage. We’re in a good position, quiet in behind the top four, so it is too early to start talking about the title – we need more. Step by step.”

For opposite number Slaven Bilic the game was a “shock”.

“They were quicker than us, physically stronger and scored goals,” Bilic said. “No excuses, they were better. I expected more from us.”