Independent
For the second week in a row, Tottenham required Harry Kane’s instincts at a corner to rescue a result that in other seasons might have been slipping away. The striker’s header to defeat Wolves came much earlier than his last-minute equaliser to steal a point at Chelsea last Sunday, but more significantly for Antonio Conte was its impact in turning one point into three, rather than salvaging one from nothing.
It points towards where Spurs expect to be and what is required if they are to take on Manchester City and Liverpool stride for stride over the opening part of the season, as many expect them to do. Tottenham did not quite hit those standards here, but the sight of Spurs sitting at the top of the table in these early season days is perhaps all that matters for Conte.
The Italian’s side remain a work in progress while new signings continue to be settled in. Ivan Perisic took time to warm up on his full Premier League debut but made two key contributions to Tottenham’s opening goal. Meanwhile, the value of the addition of Richarlison has been emphasised by Son Heung-min’s slow start to the season. It’s a reminder of the options Spurs have now, and their importance in grinding out results such as these, as this was far from easy.
After the blood and thunder of last weekend at Stamford Bridge, the same fight Conte displayed on the touchline in his confrontation with Thomas Tuchel was exactly what Spurs were missing until they finally woke up in the second half.
Wolves, sleek and oh so very Portuguese, lost their way after their impressive opening period, almost in response to their familiar struggles in front of goal. The striker’s sense of Kane to evade the sleeping Nathan Collins at the back post was just what Wolves were lacking and continues to hold them back. It’s what they hope will return now Raul Jimenez is back in action following his knee injury.
Bruno Lage’s side had two new faces from their last outing, becoming even more Wolves and taking their Portuguese contingent in the starting line-up to seven. There were debuts for Goncalo Guedes on the right wing and the club record signing Mathues Nunes in midfield – a player described by Pep Guardiola as “one of the best in the world” and whose initial £25m fee has already been covered by what Nottingham Forest have dropped on Morgan Gibbs-White this week.
Harry Kane celebrated what turned out to the the winning goal…
