Pochettino hails performance as Kane strike sends Spurs through

Harry Kane fired Tottenham into the knockout stages of the Europa League as they finally overcame stubborn Group J minnows Qarabag 1-0 in Baku.

The England striker, a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up with Spurs facing Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea less than 72 hours later, nodded in the winner with 12 minutes remaining.

After a tight first half, Tottenham probed for a winner and Deli Alli’s shot from Kane’s inside pass was repelled by Sehic before, on the hour mark, Son unleashed a cracker from the edge of the box which clattered off the crossbar.

Ten minutes later Toby Alderweireld’s ball over the top found Alli at the far post but his volley came back off the foot of Sehic’s right-hand post.

But moments later Kane made the breakthrough, after Son flicked on Eriksen’s corner, the England striker getting the final touch to nod the ball over the line and ensure Tottenham’s European adventure continued into 2016. It meant Tottenham’s longest-ever journey for a competitive fixture - a 5,000-mile round trip to the capital of Azerbaijan - proved worthwhile as they made the last 32 with a match to spare.

What was shaping up to be a frustrating evening, with both Son Heung-min and Dele Alli denied by the woodwork, was finally settled by in-form Kane’s ninth goal in six games. Boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “We are very happy because with patience and maturity we got the win and qualified.”

Anderlecht, who started the day bottom of the pool, moved into pole position to join them thanks to a 2-0 win at Monaco with goals from Guillaume Gillet in the 45th minute and substitute Frank Acheampong in the 78th.

FK Qarabag:

Sehic, Medvedev, Guseynov, Sadygov, Agolli, Garayev, Quintana, Almeida, Tagiyev (Chumbinho 65), Poepon (Armenteros 54), Ismayilov (Mammadov 80).

Tottenham:

Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Dier, Mason (Carroll 73), Alli, Eriksen (Onomah 90), Son (N’Jie 79), Kane.

Ref:

Tasos Sidiropoulos (Greece).