A brace from Harry Kane and a second-half strike from Son Heung-min helped Spurs beat rivals Arsenal 3-0 in Thursday’s Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Stuttering and stumbling Spurs men met a rejuvenated Arsenal on May 12. Too often in the recent past, these games have been played in much less context with nothing more than bragging rights at stake, but, on this occasion, a top-four spot and a place in the Champions League next season was on the line. The home side turned up to swing the momentum in their favour with two games left.
Spurs started brilliantly and were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute when Cedric Soares carelessly shoved Son in the back despite the lack of imminent danger. Kane stepped up to the spot, and, as he has done countless times before, rolled the ball into the net with Aaron Ramsdale diving the wrong way.
Misery compounded for the Gunners in the 33rd minute when Rob Holding was sent off for a second bookable offense. The centre-back, who picked up his first yellow preventing Son from running into space, did so again, albeit this time using his elbow, and the referee was left with a simple choice to brandish a red card.
Antonio Conte’s men capitalized on the numerical advantage by grabbing a second before the break from a corner. Rodrigo Bentancur rose highest to flick the ball towards the back post, where it was bundled in by Kane for his second of the night.
The points had been secured inside the first half, but Tottenham added a third minutes after the restart, ensuring their rivals returned home humiliated. Kane, again, caused chaos in the box, and the loose ball was turned home by Son.
The result leaves Spurs right behind their rivals. Conte’s side are currently on 65 points, one behind Arsenal, who also have the same number of matches left to play. Tottenham play Burnley and Norwich City in their final two games, while Arsenal take on Newcastle United and Everton.
