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
-
Feed Ghana, feed industry – Deputy Agric Minister Dumelo outlines new direction
28 minutes -
Agric glut was political, not strategic – Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana boss warns of lost livelihoods
53 minutes -
Food glut situation is no victory – Chamber for Agricbusiness Ghana CEO warns
1 hour -
Was Prince Harry referencing Trump in joke for Late Show sketch?
2 hours -
Arrest over fire petition stirs public debate in Hong Kong
2 hours -
Man who killed ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe apologises to his family
2 hours -
Police recover $19k Fabergé egg swallowed by NZ man
2 hours -
Ireland among countries boycotting Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
2 hours -
Grand jury declines to charge Letitia James after first case dismissed
3 hours -
Tanzanian activist blocked from Instagram after mobilising election protests
3 hours -
‘Not becoming of a president’: Somali-Americans respond to Trump’s ‘garbage’ remarks
3 hours -
More than 300 flights cancelled as Indian airline IndiGo faces ‘staff shortage’
3 hours -
Top UK scientist says research visa restrictions endanger economy
3 hours -
‘I’m not afraid of death, only poverty’ – Peter Okoye
3 hours -
‘We’re coming to save you’ – Teni on 2Face’s distress call
4 hours
