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Tottenham 1-0 Portsmouth: Kane moves one shy of Greaves´ record to put Spurs in FA Cup fourth round

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 7 Jan 2023

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Harry Kane moved just one goal away from becoming Tottenham’s joint all-time leading goalscorer to secure a 1-0 FA Cup third-round win over Portsmouth.

Kane is only a solitary goal behind the great Jimmy Greaves’ staggering haul of 266 for Spurs after opening the scoring with a sublime second-half finish.

The England captain’s 17th goal of the season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday was enough for the Premier League club to seal their place in the fourth round.

Antonio Conte’s men had failed to register a shot on target in a poor first-half display, but were much improved following the interval against a side without a win in nine League One games – resulting in boss Danny Cowley’s sacking this week.

Pompey showed no signs over being overawed in a positive start, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild forcing a save from Fraser Forster with an early left-foot volley.

Spurs were short of ideas as they were unable to break down their well-drilled opponents, Kane having a close-range effort blocked by Denver Hume before Son Heung-min fired wide late in a drab first half.

Tottenham showed more urgency early in the second half and Emerson Royal rose to head Son’s cross against the post before Kane got the breakthrough with a classy finish.

The prolific striker exchanged passes with Ryan Sessegnon before unleashing a sumptuous strike into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the penalty area five minutes after the break.

Oliver Skipp should have doubled the advantage when he blazed wildly over the crossbar from inside the box, but Kane’s goal was enough for Spurs to advance.

What does it mean? Job done but Spurs not in full flow

It was mission accomplished for Tottenham as they avoided an upset, but this not a tie that will live long in the memory.

After hammering Crystal Palace 4-0 in the Premier League, Conte’s side were unable to put third-tier Pompey – who were backed by a huge away following – to the sword, with Kane’s goal ending up as their only shot on target.

It was another demonstration of Spurs’ lack of strength in depth as they attempt to lift a first major trophy since winning the EFL Cup back in 2008.

Kane on the brink of making history

The ruthless Kane has scored four goals in as many games since the heartbreak of a penalty miss in a World Cup quarter-final against France that was so costly.

It is proving to be another outstanding season for Spurs’ talisman, who would love nothing more than matching or surpassing Greaves’ record against fierce rivals Arsenal next weekend.

Gil providing a spark

Another lively display from Bryan Gil provided a spark for Spurs after he shone in the rout of Palace.

The Spaniard linked up well with Kane and was dangerous cutting in from the right on his left foot, setting up Skipp for a glorious chance.

What’s next?

Spurs face a huge north London clash at home to the Gunners next Sunday, while Pompey face two clashes with Bolton Wanderers in the next week.

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SoccerNews

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