Audio By Carbonatix
Harry Kane scored a hat-trick and Dele Alli also found the target to help Tottenham reach the group stage of the Europa League courtesy of a hugely entertaining victory over Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.
With this their seventh game in 19 gruelling days at the start of the season, you would have forgiven Spurs for easing into the encounter.
Instead, a frantic first half yielded five goals, four of which went to the home side.
Harry Kane slotted in the opener from close range before former QPR forward Tjaronn Chery curled in a superb equaliser for the visitors.
This only served to provoke further attacking brilliance from the home side, who restored their lead when Lucas Moura flicked the ball in off his back from a corner, and then claimed total control courtesy of two Giovani lo Celso finishes, assisted by the lively Steven Bergwijn and crafty Kane.
The Argentine made way to allow Alli to play the second half, which was somewhat overshadowed by two penalties awarded via controversial handballs.
Spurs Matt Doherty and Maccabi's Ernest Mabouka both had their arms by their side to block crosses but each were penalised, leading to Nikita Rukavytsya narrowing the three-goal margin before Kane restored it.
The England captain then completed a superb night with a neat chipped finish following a Bergwijn pass, before Alli won a penalty with sharp turn to draw a foul that he himself converted.
The draw for the group stage will take place on Friday.
Latest Stories
-
Dad unlawfully killed daughter in Texas shooting, coroner rules
2 hours -
Anas wins 7 – 0 as SC unanimously rejects attempts to reverse judgment in his favour
2 hours -
The cocoa conundrum: Why Ghana’s farmers are poor despite making the world’s best chocolate
3 hours -
Powerful cyclone kills at least 31 as it tears through Madagascar port
4 hours -
GoldBod summons 6 gold service providers over compliance exercise
4 hours -
Power disruption expected in parts of Accra West as ECG conducts maintenance
4 hours -
Police investigate alleged arson attack at Alpha Hour Church
5 hours -
Heavy Sunday downpour wrecks Denyaseman SHS, schools, communities in Bekwai Municipality
5 hours -
Ridge Hospital is in critical condition – GMTF Boss appeals to corporate Ghana
5 hours -
Introduce long term measures to tackle challenges in cocoa sector – IERPP to government
5 hours -
Agricultural Economist proposes blended financing model to support cocoa sector
6 hours -
NPP MP warns against reducing producer price as government rolls out cocoa reforms
6 hours -
Tano North MP urges halt to grain exports over food glut
6 hours -
Farmers hopeful as government moves to expedite cocoa payments
7 hours -
Tensions at Agbogbloshie market women oppose AMA drain cleaning exercise, items confiscated
7 hours
