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.
Football: History made as women to referee men's AFC Cup clash between Yangon United and Naga World Referee Yoshimi Yamashita, who officiated in the 2016 and 2018 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and
History as women to referee men's AFC Cup clash - Daily Nation
Guardiola dismisses Klopp's claim that Man City have no weaknesses The Independent December 22, 2018 SPORTS Leave a comment Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola on Friday dismissed Jurgen Klopp's suggestion that Manchester City are a team with no sign of weakness as the two battle for the Premier League title.
Football: Guardiola dismisses Klopp's claim that Man City
Atletico Madrid the greatest threat to Barcelona's La Liga hopes, says Ernesto Valverde Description: Barcelona have made four signings in the January transfer window, their latest move a 75-million-euro ($85.5 million) deal for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will arrive in July.
Atletico 'the greatest threat to Barca's La Liga hopes
Football fans are in for a treat at the annual International Champions Cup Singapore, with riveting football action by top European clubs, thrilling activities off the pitch, and the chance to meet the heroes of the sport up close.
Can't-Miss Holiday Treats From Around The World - forbes.com
Football: Iran and Iraq qualify for last 16 with easy wins
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions League final Madrid, Spain: Madrid will deploy an unprecedented number of police and security personnel for Saturday's all-English Champions League final, and use a drone for the first time to monitor fan activity.
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/05/30/madrid-plans-robust-security-for-all-english-champions-league-final/
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions League final AFP May 30, 2019 AFP No Comments Madrid (AFP) - Madrid will deploy an unprecedented number of police and security personnel for Saturday's all-English Champions League final, and use a drone for the first time to monitor fan activity.
Madrid Plans 'robust' Security For All-English Champions
Karim Benzema scored his sixth goal in four games as Real Madrid beat Alaves 3-0 on Sunday for a fourth successive La Liga victory. The win took the European champions to within eight points of
Confident Real stroll to fourth straight win | This is Money
We trust ourselves: Yoshida, Football News & Top Stories
Welcome to the Official Arsenal website. Get all the latest news, match video, injury updates, TV information, player info, match stats, tickets, shirts and more
Game of Thrones (season 8) - Wikipedia
'Happy' Morata slays Malta. Mar 28, 2019, 5:00 am. Football: Morata double gives Spain win over defensive Malta. Mar 27, 2019, 6:04 am. Schar's concussion sparks calls for Uefa probe.
'Comfortable' Morata slays Malta - Latest News
BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom (AFP) — Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala's family grieved on Friday after British authorities formally identified his body as the one recovered from the wreckage of
Family mourn Sala after body in Channel wreckage identified
'Expired' Molde deal to ease way for Solskjaer, Football News
Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United. The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6
Neymar banned for three Champions League matches over ref
Fa
Hard to believe, but Pop was once unwanted by Spurs fans
BARCELONA: Lionel Messi received his record fifth Golden Shoe award for leading all of Europe's football leagues in scoring last season. Messi's fifth win breaks the tie he had with Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi scored 34 goals in La Liga last season to lead Barcelona to the title. Liverpool forward
Messi claims record 5th Golden Shoe - sportskeeda.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment