Tottenham Hotspur striker&nbsp;Harry&nbsp;Kane&nbsp;will undergo surgery on his hamstring and is expected to be out of action until April, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Kane, who has netted 27 goals for Spurs and England this season, suffered the injury during Tottenham's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Southampton on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-tottenham-suffer-kane-injury-blow-271656">New Year's Day</a>.

"Following ongoing assessment by our medical staff over the past week, we can confirm that&nbsp;Harry&nbsp;Kane&nbsp;will undergo surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring," Spurs said in a statement.

"The decision to undergo surgery is not expected to impact the time frame that the England captain will be sidelined, with the expectation that he will return to training in April."

Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/striker-less-aston-villa-hold-on-for-draw-at-leicester-273173">EFL Cup: Striker-less Aston Villa hold on for draw at Leicester</a>

Kane&nbsp;will miss Spurs' Champions League last-16 clash with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">RB Leipzig</a> and England's Euro 2020 warm-up games against Italy and Denmark.

The 26-year-old has been injury-free this season but had two lengthy layoffs last season with ankle ligament injuries.

Although Tottenham have struggled for form and are sixth in the league table,&nbsp;Kane&nbsp;has scored 11 goals in the league.

Another spell without&nbsp;Kane&nbsp;will be a major blow to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-no-quick-fixes-for-spurs-in-transfer-window-272204">Jose Mourinho</a>'s Tottenham, who have slipped six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Son Heung-min is likely to lead the line in his absence and teenager Troy Parrott may get more opportunities to play.

Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-confirms-tottenham-appeal-against-wrong-red-for-son-269877">Mourinho confirms Tottenham appeal against 'wrong' red for Son Heung-min</a>

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane will undergo surgery on his hamstring and is expected to be out of action until April, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane will undergo surgery on his hamstring and is expected to be out of action until April, the Premier League club said on Thursday. Kane, who has netted 27 goals for Spurs and England this season, suffered the injury during Tottenham's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day. "Following ongoing assessment by our medical staff over the past week, we can confirm that Harry Kane will undergo surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring," Spurs said in a statement. "The decision to undergo surgery is not expected to impact the time frame that the England captain will be sidelined, with the expectation that he will return to training in April." Read: EFL Cup: Striker-less Aston Villa hold on for draw at Leicester Kane will miss Spurs' Champions League last-16 clash with RB Leipzig and England's Euro 2020 warm-up games against Italy and Denmark. The 26-year-old has been injury-free this season but had two lengthy layoffs last season with ankle ligament injuries. Although Tottenham have struggled for form and are sixth in the league table, Kane has scored 11 goals in the league. Another spell without Kane will be a major blow to Jose Mourinho's Tottenham, who have slipped six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Son Heung-min is likely to lead the line in his absence and teenager Troy Parrott may get more opportunities to play. Read: Mourinho confirms Tottenham appeal against 'wrong' red for Son Heung-min

Premier League: Tottenham's Kane ruled out for three months with hamstring injury

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-tottenham-suffer-kane-injury-blow-271656">Jose Mourinho</a> says Tottenham will be "intelligent" in the January transfer window and there will be no quick fixes at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-unbeaten-for-a-year-liverpool-271841">Premier League</a> club.

Mourinho has repeatedly said that he will not be overhauling his squad this month and that any business could be dependent on players leaving.

One player who appears to be on his way out of the club is midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-draw-2-2-at-norwich-amid-var-controversy-270812">Christian Eriksen</a>, whose contact expires in June, but it is not certain he will depart this month.

Mourinho, whose side have stumbled in recent weeks, walked into the club with his eyes wide open and said he was on the same page as chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-aiming-to-take-spurs-and-kane-to-the-next-level-263998">Daniel Levy</a>.

"That was very clear for me and is very important for me to understand that before I came," said the Portuguese boss, who took over from the sacked Mauricio Pochettino in November.

"This is our first transfer window, not the last," he added. "We are going to have one in the summer, we are going to have one in 2021 January, we are going to have another one in the summer of 2021.

"We are going to have to try to be intelligent and we have to try to make the right decisions, not just for now, but for the development of a cycle."

Spurs are struggling for numbers ahead of Sunday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hard-night-ahead-for-manchester-united-solskjaer-271952">FA Cup</a> trip to Middlesbrough.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/irresistible-liverpool-thrash-leicester-270476">Harry Kane</a>, Tanguy Ndombele, Ben Davies, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-spurs-close-in-on-last-16-berth-with-4-0-rout-of-red-star-260412">Danny Rose</a> and Hugo Lloris are all injured and many players have played three games over the Christmas period.

Mourinho said he was likely to call on youth at the Riverside but emphasised that such a move did not mean the FA Cup was not important for the eight-time winners.

"Everybody's going to be involved," he said. "If you go to our squad and no Rose, no Davies, no Lloris, no Kane. I don't know if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624">Eric Dier</a> will be ready but he is still to come back.

"When you say no, no, no, no, no you have to say (Oliver) Skipp, (Japhet) Tanganga, (Troy) Parrott, the young boys in."

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham will be "intelligent" in the January transfer window and there will be no quick fixes at the Premier League club. Mourinho has repeatedly said that he will not be overhauling his squad this month and that any business could be dependent on players leaving.

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham will be "intelligent" in the January transfer window and there will be no quick fixes at the Premier League club. Mourinho has repeatedly said that he will not be overhauling his squad this month and that any business could be dependent on players leaving. One player who appears to be on his way out of the club is midfielder Christian Eriksen, whose contact expires in June, but it is not certain he will depart this month. Mourinho, whose side have stumbled in recent weeks, walked into the club with his eyes wide open and said he was on the same page as chairman Daniel Levy. "That was very clear for me and is very important for me to understand that before I came," said the Portuguese boss, who took over from the sacked Mauricio Pochettino in November. "This is our first transfer window, not the last," he added. "We are going to have one in the summer, we are going to have one in 2021 January, we are going to have another one in the summer of 2021. "We are going to have to try to be intelligent and we have to try to make the right decisions, not just for now, but for the development of a cycle." Spurs are struggling for numbers ahead of Sunday's FA Cup trip to Middlesbrough. Harry Kane, Tanguy Ndombele, Ben Davies, Danny Rose and Hugo Lloris are all injured and many players have played three games over the Christmas period. Mourinho said he was likely to call on youth at the Riverside but emphasised that such a move did not mean the FA Cup was not important for the eight-time winners. "Everybody's going to be involved," he said. "If you go to our squad and no Rose, no Davies, no Lloris, no Kane. I don't know if Eric Dier will be ready but he is still to come back. "When you say no, no, no, no, no you have to say (Oliver) Skipp, (Japhet) Tanganga, (Troy) Parrott, the young boys in."

Jose Mourinho: 'No quick fixes for Spurs in transfer window'

Beaten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-draw-2-2-at-norwich-amid-var-controversy-270812">Tottenham Hotspur</a> suffered a double injury blow in the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Wednesday with Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele both forced off at St Mary's.

While the result was bad, the biggest worry for Tottenham manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-its-a-crime-mourinho-rages-against-festive-fixture-pile-up-270511">Jose Mourinho</a> was the sight of top scorer Kane pulling up with a left hamstring injury deep into the second half after stretching to score a goal that was ruled out for offside.

Kane, scorer of 11 Premier League goals this season, went straight down the tunnel, leaving Tottenham with scant striking options as Son Heung-min was serving the final match of his three-game ban for a red card in the defeat by Chelsea.

He was later seen leaving the stadium using crutches.

Asked about the injuries, Mourinho said: "Tanguy Ndombele, I don't know. I imagine this is (his) 10th injury of the season. They stop him to play. It doesn't give him continuity," he said.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-says-englands-defeat-to-czech-republic-is-a-wakeup-call-255480">Harry Kane</a> plays every minute, he plays all the time. It might be big, it might be small. For sure he will be out.

"It is negative, hamstring is always negative. Is it a tear, is it a small thing, is it a contraction? At this moment I cannot say."

Kane has suffered several lengthy injury lay-offs in the last few seasons. Last season he missed a month after damaging ankle ligaments and then suffered a similar injury in April which kept him out until the Champions League final.

A third defeat in Mourinho's nine Premier League games in charge at Spurs further undermined the resurgence his arrival produced and left Tottenham in sixth spot, six points behind fourth-placed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-improving-saints-stun-chelsea-with-2-0-win-at-stamford-bridge-270505">Chelsea</a> who drew with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Brighton and Hove Albion</a> earlier.

Mourinho said raiding the transfer market was not the answer though, now that the mid-season window is open.

"Come on, we need time to work. We need what we are not having. We need to focus on what we have," he said. "We are not looking to be the kings of the market. We are going to work.

"We see the bad result today which is the continuity of the last year. For 12 months, it has been very difficult to get results away from home.

"The work is not about buying, it is about working with the players on the pitch. It is something that is very difficult for us because we have no time to do it."

Beaten Tottenham Hotspur suffered a double injury blow in the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Wednesday with Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele both forced off at St Mary's.

Beaten Tottenham Hotspur suffered a double injury blow in the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Wednesday with Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele both forced off at St Mary's. While the result was bad, the biggest worry for Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was the sight of top scorer Kane pulling up with a left hamstring injury deep into the second half after stretching to score a goal that was ruled out for offside. Kane, scorer of 11 Premier League goals this season, went straight down the tunnel, leaving Tottenham with scant striking options as Son Heung-min was serving the final match of his three-game ban for a red card in the defeat by Chelsea. He was later seen leaving the stadium using crutches. Asked about the injuries, Mourinho said: "Tanguy Ndombele, I don't know. I imagine this is (his) 10th injury of the season. They stop him to play. It doesn't give him continuity," he said. "Harry Kane plays every minute, he plays all the time. It might be big, it might be small. For sure he will be out. "It is negative, hamstring is always negative. Is it a tear, is it a small thing, is it a contraction? At this moment I cannot say." Kane has suffered several lengthy injury lay-offs in the last few seasons. Last season he missed a month after damaging ankle ligaments and then suffered a similar injury in April which kept him out until the Champions League final. A third defeat in Mourinho's nine Premier League games in charge at Spurs further undermined the resurgence his arrival produced and left Tottenham in sixth spot, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea who drew with Brighton and Hove Albion earlier. Mourinho said raiding the transfer market was not the answer though, now that the mid-season window is open. "Come on, we need time to work. We need what we are not having. We need to focus on what we have," he said. "We are not looking to be the kings of the market. We are going to work. "We see the bad result today which is the continuity of the last year. For 12 months, it has been very difficult to get results away from home. "The work is not about buying, it is about working with the players on the pitch. It is something that is very difficult for us because we have no time to do it."

Premier League: Tottenham suffer Kane injury blow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-have-the-momentum-heading-into-chelsea-clash-kane-268958">Tottenham Hotspur</a> Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio&nbsp;Pochettino&nbsp;from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs.

Pochettino&nbsp;led Spurs to the Champions League final last season but was dismissed last month after a run of poor results in the Premier League campaign.

His replacement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-aiming-to-add-to-chelseas-woes-269130">Jose Mourinho</a>, has guided them to four wins in five league games.

"It is not something I ever wanted," Levy said of&nbsp;Pochettino's sacking.

"Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood ... it just got to the point where it felt we needed a divorce," he told the London Evening Standard.

"He's been in football (a long time), he understands. It's not personal and I'm sure he'll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club. Maybe one day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pochettino-leaves-farewell-message-to-spurs-players-263882">he'll come back</a> to us."

Tottenham take on Chelsea in the league on Sunday and would leapfrog their London rivals into fourth place with a victory.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio Pochettino from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio Pochettino from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs. Pochettino led Spurs to the Champions League final last season but was dismissed last month after a run of poor results in the Premier League campaign. His replacement, Jose Mourinho, has guided them to four wins in five league games. "It is not something I ever wanted," Levy said of Pochettino's sacking. "Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood ... it just got to the point where it felt we needed a divorce," he told the London Evening Standard. "He's been in football (a long time), he understands. It's not personal and I'm sure he'll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club. Maybe one day he'll come back to us." Tottenham take on Chelsea in the league on Sunday and would leapfrog their London rivals into fourth place with a victory.

Pochettino might return to Spurs one day, says chairman Levy

Tottenham Hotspur's unsettled squad must make up for time lost in pre-season and build togetherness to arrest a slump in form, manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the London side crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday.

Tottenham, runners-up to Liverpool in the Champions League last season, lost 4-3 on penalties to League Two (fourth-tier) Colchester United after a 2-1 defeat by Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

"We need time again to build that togetherness that you need when you're competing at this level," Pochettino, who is yet to win a trophy at Tottenham since joining in 2014, told reporters.

Pochettino had endured a testing pre-season in which Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen was linked by the Spanish media with a switch to Real Madrid, while two losses in six league games has only added to the Argentine manager's troubles.

"When you have an unsettled squad always it's difficult and you lose time. You need time to recover the time you lose," Pochettino added.

"That's where we are. Maybe our performances are good but you need this extra, which is mental, connection. It's energy to be together, not to have different agendas in the squad."

Tottenham host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday and Pochettino said his players had to stay calm to get back to winning ways.

"We are in a period where it's a bit tough for us but we keep working to find a solution," he said.

"When this type of thing happens it's about staying clear, fresh and calm. We're trying to find solutions and we only need time."

Tottenham Hotspur's unsettled squad must make up for time lost in pre-season and build togetherness to arrest a slump in form, manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the London side crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur's unsettled squad must make up for time lost in pre-season and build togetherness to arrest a slump in form, manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the London side crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday. Tottenham, runners-up to Liverpool in the Champions League last season, lost 4-3 on penalties to League Two (fourth-tier) Colchester United after a 2-1 defeat by Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday. "We need time again to build that togetherness that you need when you're competing at this level," Pochettino, who is yet to win a trophy at Tottenham since joining in 2014, told reporters. Pochettino had endured a testing pre-season in which Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen was linked by the Spanish media with a switch to Real Madrid, while two losses in six league games has only added to the Argentine manager's troubles. "When you have an unsettled squad always it's difficult and you lose time. You need time to recover the time you lose," Pochettino added. "That's where we are. Maybe our performances are good but you need this extra, which is mental, connection. It's energy to be together, not to have different agendas in the squad." Tottenham host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday and Pochettino said his players had to stay calm to get back to winning ways. "We are in a period where it's a bit tough for us but we keep working to find a solution," he said. "When this type of thing happens it's about staying clear, fresh and calm. We're trying to find solutions and we only need time."

Mauricio Pochettino says Spurs must stick together to overcome poor form

Tottenham's long wait for an away win in the Premier League continued as Leicester came from behind to beat last season's Champions League finalists 2-1 at the King Power on Saturday.

Harry Kane's great improvisation handed Spurs a first-half lead and Mauricio Pochettino's men thought they had doubled that advantage when Serge Aurier fired home.

However, the goal was ruled out by the finest of margins for offside after a VAR review and Leicester compounded Spurs' pain by equalising two minutes later through Ricardo Pereira.

James Maddison's fine long-range strike five minutes from time then capped Leicester's comeback as they moved above Manchester City into second in the Premier League, for a few hours at least.

By contrast, Spurs have now won just two of their first seven games of the season in all competitions and have still not won away from home in the Premier League since January.

Leicester are aiming to break the glass ceiling of the Premier League top six for the first time since their sensational title triumph in 2016.

And Brendan Rodgers's men claimed their first big-six scalp of the season after drawing away to Chelsea and running Manchester United close at Old Trafford last weekend.

The Foxes started brightly as Maddison curled just wide and then forced Spurs' stand-in goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga into a smart save at his near post.

The hosts were also first to have the ball in the net when Gazzaniga -- deputising for the injured Hugo Lloris -- spilled Youri Tielemans's shot and Wilfred Ndidi bundled home the rebound.

But replays showed Ayoze Perez was offside as he reached the loose ball off Gazzaniga first and the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.

Kane makes most of reprieve

Handed that reprieve, Tottenham went in front in unusual fashion on 29 minutes when Son Heung min's backheel found Kane, who stumbled and hit the floor as he bore down on goal.

However, the England captain still managed to flick the ball high beyond Kasper Schmeichel from the ground for his 14th goal in 13 games against Leicester.

Kane should have done better with a far better chance moments later when he dragged a shot wide.

At the other end, Gazzaniga was being kept busy as he denied Perez and Jamie Vardy either side of half-time, while Harvey Barnes also headed wastefully wide for the hosts.

But the momentum of the match truly turned Leicester's way on another VAR call 23 minutes from time.

Kane teed up Aurier to fire home from the edge of the area, but the goal was ruled out for Son being barely a millimetre offside in the build-up.

Leicester built on that huge lift and went straight down the other end to level when Vardy's low cross was turned home at the far post by Pereira.

Spurs had chances to retake the lead as Aurier fired across goal and wide, while Kane's powerful effort was too close to Schmeichel.

And they were hit with the sucker punch when Maddison pounced on a loose ball and drilled a shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Tottenham's long wait for an away win in the Premier League continued as Leicester came from behind to beat last season's Champions League finalists 2-1 at the King Power on Saturday.

Tottenham's long wait for an away win in the Premier League continued as Leicester came from behind to beat last season's Champions League finalists 2-1 at the King Power on Saturday. Harry Kane's great improvisation handed Spurs a first-half lead and Mauricio Pochettino's men thought they had doubled that advantage when Serge Aurier fired home. However, the goal was ruled out by the finest of margins for offside after a VAR review and Leicester compounded Spurs' pain by equalising two minutes later through Ricardo Pereira. James Maddison's fine long-range strike five minutes from time then capped Leicester's comeback as they moved above Manchester City into second in the Premier League, for a few hours at least. By contrast, Spurs have now won just two of their first seven games of the season in all competitions and have still not won away from home in the Premier League since January. Leicester are aiming to break the glass ceiling of the Premier League top six for the first time since their sensational title triumph in 2016. And Brendan Rodgers's men claimed their first big-six scalp of the season after drawing away to Chelsea and running Manchester United close at Old Trafford last weekend. The Foxes started brightly as Maddison curled just wide and then forced Spurs' stand-in goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga into a smart save at his near post. The hosts were also first to have the ball in the net when Gazzaniga -- deputising for the injured Hugo Lloris -- spilled Youri Tielemans's shot and Wilfred Ndidi bundled home the rebound. But replays showed Ayoze Perez was offside as he reached the loose ball off Gazzaniga first and the goal was ruled out after a VAR review. Kane makes most of reprieve Handed that reprieve, Tottenham went in front in unusual fashion on 29 minutes when Son Heung min's backheel found Kane, who stumbled and hit the floor as he bore down on goal. However, the England captain still managed to flick the ball high beyond Kasper Schmeichel from the ground for his 14th goal in 13 games against Leicester. Kane should have done better with a far better chance moments later when he dragged a shot wide. At the other end, Gazzaniga was being kept busy as he denied Perez and Jamie Vardy either side of half-time, while Harvey Barnes also headed wastefully wide for the hosts. But the momentum of the match truly turned Leicester's way on another VAR call 23 minutes from time. Kane teed up Aurier to fire home from the edge of the area, but the goal was ruled out for Son being barely a millimetre offside in the build-up. Leicester built on that huge lift and went straight down the other end to level when Vardy's low cross was turned home at the far post by Pereira. Spurs had chances to retake the lead as Aurier fired across goal and wide, while Kane's powerful effort was too close to Schmeichel. And they were hit with the sucker punch when Maddison pounced on a loose ball and drilled a shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Leicester hit back to shock Spurs with help from VAR

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said he fully understands manager Mauricio Pochettino's frustration with the team, asserting that they had failed to learn from past mistakes following Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw at Olympiakos Piraeus.

Last season's runners-up squandered a two-goal advantage in their Group B opener in Athens and a furious Pochettino accused his players of "not respecting the plan".

"You can see why the manager is frustrated. He has been here for five years now and we're still making similar mistakes as we were the first year," Kane, who scored Spurs' opener from the penalty spot, told reporters.

Lucas Moura doubled Tottenham's lead but Olympiakos hit back before halftime through Daniel Podence and equalised thanks to Mathieu Valbuena's penalty in the 54th minute.

"We are not young anymore, we are not inexperienced, we have played in big games for club and country," England international Kane added.

"We have to try to find a way to get around it and improve and get better. That's all we can try to do."

Pochettino, who joined Tottenham in 2014 and had been linked by Spanish media with a switch to Real Madrid last season, said he was concerned by Spurs' wobbly start to the campaign.

"In the beginning of this season we're conceding a lot of chances, lots of goals and we need to change that," Pochettino, who dismissed rumours last month that he could quit, added.

"The only way we can change is being more demanding from ourselves. That is the way we are going to approach the different days and be more consistent.

"Training needs to be harder. Psychologically harder."

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said he fully understands manager Mauricio Pochettino's frustration with the team, asserting that they had failed to learn from past mistakes following Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw at Olympiakos Piraeus.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said he fully understands manager Mauricio Pochettino's frustration with the team, asserting that they had failed to learn from past mistakes following Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw at Olympiakos Piraeus. Last season's runners-up squandered a two-goal advantage in their Group B opener in Athens and a furious Pochettino accused his players of "not respecting the plan". "You can see why the manager is frustrated. He has been here for five years now and we're still making similar mistakes as we were the first year," Kane, who scored Spurs' opener from the penalty spot, told reporters. Lucas Moura doubled Tottenham's lead but Olympiakos hit back before halftime through Daniel Podence and equalised thanks to Mathieu Valbuena's penalty in the 54th minute. "We are not young anymore, we are not inexperienced, we have played in big games for club and country," England international Kane added. "We have to try to find a way to get around it and improve and get better. That's all we can try to do." Pochettino, who joined Tottenham in 2014 and had been linked by Spanish media with a switch to Real Madrid last season, said he was concerned by Spurs' wobbly start to the campaign. "In the beginning of this season we're conceding a lot of chances, lots of goals and we need to change that," Pochettino, who dismissed rumours last month that he could quit, added. "The only way we can change is being more demanding from ourselves. That is the way we are going to approach the different days and be more consistent. "Training needs to be harder. Psychologically harder."

Tottenham making same old mistakes, says Harry Kane

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was looking forward to Christian Eriksen being fully focused on his team once the European transfer window shuts on Monday after the midfielder starred in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Arsenal.

The Argentine recalled Eriksen to the starting lineup for Sunday's north London Premier League derby after benching him in two of Tottenham's previous three games after the Dane was heavily linked with a move away in the close season.

The 27-year-old Eriksen, who is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free next June, put Spurs in front after 10 minutes with his 50th Premier League goal when Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno pushed a tame Erik Lamela shot into his path.

Harry Kane's penalty gave Pochettino's side a two-goal cushion but the hosts rallied and snatched a draw with strikes from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"I was worried about the situation (with Eriksen) but I think he'll be 100% focused after the transfer window ends, now he can focus on Tottenham," Pochettino told a news conference.

"I don't want to say it's impossible that he leaves but it's difficult now. I'm optimistic (he will stay), I hope everything will be clear. Today he was one of our top performers."

Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen also returned to the team after being left out for their first three matches, including last week's shock 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United.

Pochettino emphasised how much his side improved against Arsenal, even though they threw away the lead.

"The important thing is not where we are in the table or the points, it's about the performance," the Argentine added of his ninth-placed side who have five points, two behind Arsenal.

"Today we recovered our feelings, so I'm so optimistic about the rest of the season," he said.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was looking forward to Christian Eriksen being fully focused on his team once the European transfer window shuts on Monday after the midfielder starred in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was looking forward to Christian Eriksen being fully focused on his team once the European transfer window shuts on Monday after the midfielder starred in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Arsenal. The Argentine recalled Eriksen to the starting lineup for Sunday's north London Premier League derby after benching him in two of Tottenham's previous three games after the Dane was heavily linked with a move away in the close season. The 27-year-old Eriksen, who is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free next June, put Spurs in front after 10 minutes with his 50th Premier League goal when Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno pushed a tame Erik Lamela shot into his path. Harry Kane's penalty gave Pochettino's side a two-goal cushion but the hosts rallied and snatched a draw with strikes from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "I was worried about the situation (with Eriksen) but I think he'll be 100% focused after the transfer window ends, now he can focus on Tottenham," Pochettino told a news conference. "I don't want to say it's impossible that he leaves but it's difficult now. I'm optimistic (he will stay), I hope everything will be clear. Today he was one of our top performers." Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen also returned to the team after being left out for their first three matches, including last week's shock 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United. Pochettino emphasised how much his side improved against Arsenal, even though they threw away the lead. "The important thing is not where we are in the table or the points, it's about the performance," the Argentine added of his ninth-placed side who have five points, two behind Arsenal. "Today we recovered our feelings, so I'm so optimistic about the rest of the season," he said.

Christian Eriksen ready to focus 100 per cent on Spurs after uncertain summer: Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the "stupid rumours" that he could quit the club after their shaky start to the Premier League season and said he wanted to extend his stay so he can rebuild the team.

Spurs make the short visit to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday looking for a reaction after last week's shock 1-0 defeat at home by Newcastle United, which left them with four points from their opening three games.

"What can I say about stupid rumours? After five years now I start my sixth season," Pochettino told a news conference on Friday.

"You know how we worked this summer to rebuild and update because from each summer we have built version 2.0, 3.0, now we're version 6.0. Only social media can create something that stupid.

"I will not walk away after Sunday's game. The most important thing is to help the team on the pitch and make sure the communication is clear. I hope that I can extend my life here."

Tottenham have a long list of injuries, worsened by Kyle Walker-Peters straining a hamstring against Newcastle, leaving the coach short at right-back.

Record signing Tanguy Ndombele, defender Juan Foyth, midfielder Eric Dier and full back Ryan Sessegnon have also been ruled out, while Pochettino said it was unlikely that Dele Alli would be able to return in time for the derby.

There is also continued uncertainty about the future of Christian Eriksen after Pochettino did not start the Danish playmaker against Newcastle, while defender Jan Vertonghen has not played any minutes so far this season.

The Argentine said he was not overly concerned by his shortage of players, even at right back, where midfielder Moussa Sissoko may have to fill in.

"It's not a worry, only an issue we need to fix, trying to find another solution," Pochettino said.

"I am very optimistic that we will find the best way to perform. There's no excuses. Always when one option disappears there is another option that appears and we will play with 11 players."

Despite his side's difficulties, Pochettino is looking forward to the clash at the Emirates Stadium, where Spurs have failed to win in the Premier League since 2010.

"We know well what this game means. I'm lucky to be involved in this type of game. I love to play this type of game and I am so excited and optimistic that we will perform in our best way," he said.

"It's not important what happened in the past, only what happens now."

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the "stupid rumours" that he could quit the club after their shaky start to the Premier League season and said he wanted to extend his stay so he can rebuild the team.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the "stupid rumours" that he could quit the club after their shaky start to the Premier League season and said he wanted to extend his stay so he can rebuild the team. Spurs make the short visit to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday looking for a reaction after last week's shock 1-0 defeat at home by Newcastle United, which left them with four points from their opening three games. "What can I say about stupid rumours? After five years now I start my sixth season," Pochettino told a news conference on Friday. "You know how we worked this summer to rebuild and update because from each summer we have built version 2.0, 3.0, now we're version 6.0. Only social media can create something that stupid. "I will not walk away after Sunday's game. The most important thing is to help the team on the pitch and make sure the communication is clear. I hope that I can extend my life here." Tottenham have a long list of injuries, worsened by Kyle Walker-Peters straining a hamstring against Newcastle, leaving the coach short at right-back. Record signing Tanguy Ndombele, defender Juan Foyth, midfielder Eric Dier and full back Ryan Sessegnon have also been ruled out, while Pochettino said it was unlikely that Dele Alli would be able to return in time for the derby. There is also continued uncertainty about the future of Christian Eriksen after Pochettino did not start the Danish playmaker against Newcastle, while defender Jan Vertonghen has not played any minutes so far this season. The Argentine said he was not overly concerned by his shortage of players, even at right back, where midfielder Moussa Sissoko may have to fill in. "It's not a worry, only an issue we need to fix, trying to find another solution," Pochettino said. "I am very optimistic that we will find the best way to perform. There's no excuses. Always when one option disappears there is another option that appears and we will play with 11 players." Despite his side's difficulties, Pochettino is looking forward to the clash at the Emirates Stadium, where Spurs have failed to win in the Premier League since 2010. "We know well what this game means. I'm lucky to be involved in this type of game. I love to play this type of game and I am so excited and optimistic that we will perform in our best way," he said. "It's not important what happened in the past, only what happens now."

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino dismisses 'stupid' exit rumours

Closing the Premier League transfer window before the season begins was a "massive mistake" as key players can still be prised away by other European clubs before their window shuts next month, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said.

The Premier League window for incoming transfers closed on August 8, a day before the season began, but players are still allowed to move to other major leagues — Spain, Germany and Italy — until the European window shuts on September 2.

It is a matter of concern for Pochettino who is unsure if pivotal playmaker Christian Eriksen will stay at the London club, with Spanish media linking him with a move to Real Madrid before the deadline.

"I wasn't in agreement (with the decision) but at that moment they believed that was best for the clubs," Pochettino told reporters. "But I think (club chairman Daniel Levy) and a lot of people now realise it was a massive mistake.

"I hope that we fix the problem for the next season. We need to go back and operate in the same way that they operate in Europe because I think it's massive when you go to compete in the Europa League or Champions League.

"Champions League teams can create a problem for a team like us and it's so clear that I cannot be happy as a coach that in the last three weeks clubs from Europe can unsettle your team. For me, it's not common sense and we need to go back quick."

It is a sentiment echoed by Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, who said it was an "inconvenience" not to have a finalised squad before the league season begins, and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone.

"I think all the managers would love it, like it happens in England," Simeone said. "All of them have the squad built when the competition starts. It would be mentally healthier for everyone being focused on the guys who will play."

Closing the Premier League transfer window before the season begins was a "massive mistake" as key players can still be prised away by other European clubs before their window shuts next month, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said.

Closing the Premier League transfer window before the season begins was a "massive mistake" as key players can still be prised away by other European clubs before their window shuts next month, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said. The Premier League window for incoming transfers closed on August 8, a day before the season began, but players are still allowed to move to other major leagues — Spain, Germany and Italy — until the European window shuts on September 2. It is a matter of concern for Pochettino who is unsure if pivotal playmaker Christian Eriksen will stay at the London club, with Spanish media linking him with a move to Real Madrid before the deadline. "I wasn't in agreement (with the decision) but at that moment they believed that was best for the clubs," Pochettino told reporters. "But I think (club chairman Daniel Levy) and a lot of people now realise it was a massive mistake. "I hope that we fix the problem for the next season. We need to go back and operate in the same way that they operate in Europe because I think it's massive when you go to compete in the Europa League or Champions League. "Champions League teams can create a problem for a team like us and it's so clear that I cannot be happy as a coach that in the last three weeks clubs from Europe can unsettle your team. For me, it's not common sense and we need to go back quick." It is a sentiment echoed by Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, who said it was an "inconvenience" not to have a finalised squad before the league season begins, and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone. "I think all the managers would love it, like it happens in England," Simeone said. "All of them have the squad built when the competition starts. It would be mentally healthier for everyone being focused on the guys who will play."

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino wants Premier League to extend transfer deadline

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has no problem with Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the Premier League but said he was an "old school" player who preferred matches to flow without too many interruptions.

Champions City had a late goal from striker Gabriel Jesus ruled out for handball by a VAR review as they drew 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

VAR, making its Premier League debut this season, has been used in a number of high-profile competitions in recent months, but has received mixed reviews from players and coaches as well as frustrating fans.

"It feels weird to have the last-minute goal disallowed but we just have to accept it," De Bruyne told the BBC.

"I'm old school. I love the flow of the game and the enthusiasm. But if we want to get the game better, I'm fine with it.

"I have no issue with the rule -- the rule is the rule -- but it should be looked at because that situation is crazy."

Jesus also had a goal disallowed by VAR in last weekend's 5-0 win over West Ham United and the Brazilian forward expressed his frustration after Saturday's match in a heated exchange with the on-field officials.

It was all too familiar for City who were knocked out of the Champions League in April by Tottenham when they had a late "goal" from Raheem Sterling, that would have been the winner, ruled out by VAR.

Despite the disappointment of their first league home game without victory in nearly eight months, De Bruyne said City could be pleased with their effort.

"Everybody is proud with the way we performed -- Spurs got two goals but they only had two chances so they were really clinical," the Belgian added.

"To play at this level against a team like Tottenham is really good for the rest of the season."

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has no problem with Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the Premier League but said he was an "old school" player who preferred matches to flow without too many interruptions.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has no problem with Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the Premier League but said he was an "old school" player who preferred matches to flow without too many interruptions. Champions City had a late goal from striker Gabriel Jesus ruled out for handball by a VAR review as they drew 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. VAR, making its Premier League debut this season, has been used in a number of high-profile competitions in recent months, but has received mixed reviews from players and coaches as well as frustrating fans. "It feels weird to have the last-minute goal disallowed but we just have to accept it," De Bruyne told the BBC. "I'm old school. I love the flow of the game and the enthusiasm. But if we want to get the game better, I'm fine with it. "I have no issue with the rule -- the rule is the rule -- but it should be looked at because that situation is crazy." Jesus also had a goal disallowed by VAR in last weekend's 5-0 win over West Ham United and the Brazilian forward expressed his frustration after Saturday's match in a heated exchange with the on-field officials. It was all too familiar for City who were knocked out of the Champions League in April by Tottenham when they had a late "goal" from Raheem Sterling, that would have been the winner, ruled out by VAR. Despite the disappointment of their first league home game without victory in nearly eight months, De Bruyne said City could be pleased with their effort. "Everybody is proud with the way we performed -- Spurs got two goals but they only had two chances so they were really clinical," the Belgian added. "To play at this level against a team like Tottenham is really good for the rest of the season."

Kevin De Bruyne prefers old school but OK with VAR

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bemoaned a sense of deja vu as his side saw a late winner against Tottenham ruled out by VAR for the second time in four months as Saturday's Premier League clash ended 2-2.

Spurs won a thrilling Champions League quarter-final tie between the sides on away goals in April when Raheem Sterling had an injury-time strike ruled out by VAR.

And City were denied once more when Gabriel Jesus saw a stoppage-time winner disallowed on review for a handball by Aymeric Laporte.

"Deja vu. It was the same," said Guardiola. (The) last action we score a goal, VAR disallowed it. What should I say? It's the second time, it's tough."

Guardiola was angered by the inconsistent use of the technology as City were not awarded a penalty in the first-half when Rodri was hauled to the floor by Erik Lamela.

"It was incredible it wasn't a penalty in the first-half, but VAR said it wasn't and then at the end they did."

City twice led through Sterling and Sergio Aguero, but just like in last season's European clash between the sides, the hosts were susceptible on the counter-attack and at set-pieces.

Lamela's long-range effort briefly brought Spurs level in the first-half and substitute Lucas Moura equalised with his first touch 11 minutes into the second period as Mauricio Pochettino's men scored with their only two shots on target.

A share of the points sees both sides fall two points behind Liverpool just two games into the new season, but on this evidence another shootout between City and Liverpool for the title looks likely as Tottenham struggled to cope with Guardiola's men, who had 30 shots on goal.

"Better than that I don't know if we are able to reach it," added Guardiola. "We would like to win because the guys deserve it, but football sometimes is like this."

Sterling continued his stunning early-season form by opening the scoring with a fine header from a delightful cross by Kevin de Bruyne.

City had been utterly dominant for the first quarter of the match, but were hit with a sucker punch just three minutes after going in front.

Lamela was afforded acres of space inside the City half and took advantage of poor position by Ederson to curl home an equaliser from well outside the box.

The goal briefly gave Spurs the belief Pochettino had talked of before the game that they can push City and Liverpool for a three-way title race this season.

However, that quickly evaporated as the hosts took control again thanks to another sensational De Bruyne assist as this time Aguero converted the Belgian's low cross.

But Pochettino blamed the uncertainty still surrounding the futures of Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen before the transfer window closes across Europe for his side's inability to match City.

"Sometimes people struggle to realise we arrive here with our circumstances, we cannot fight face-to-face with them," said Pochettino.

"We have a lot of circumstances we have to fix in the last few weeks until the transfer window shuts in Europe."

De Bruyne should have had a hat-trick of assists before half-time as Ilkay Gundogan side-footed wide another inviting low cross, while Hugo Lloris saved from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bernardo Silva to keep Tottenham in the game.

And that proved vital as Lucas ran straight on the pitch to flick home Lamela's corner with his head.

Spurs did not manage another effort on goal as City laid seige to their goal in search of a winner.

Jesus replaced Aguero, who was embroiled in an argument with Guardiola after leaving the field.

"We have a good relationship. It's the emotion of the game, he's an incredible competitor," insisted Guardiola.

The Argentine striker and his manager had reconciled any differences as they hugged each other in celebration when Jesus coolly slotted into the bottom corner in the 94th minute to seemingly win the game.

But replays showed the ball broke to the Brazilian via the arm of Laporte and City's ecstasy turned to agony again.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bemoaned a sense of deja vu as his side saw a late winner against Tottenham ruled out by VAR for the second time in four months as Saturday's Premier League clash ended 2-2.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bemoaned a sense of deja vu as his side saw a late winner against Tottenham ruled out by VAR for the second time in four months as Saturday's Premier League clash ended 2-2. Spurs won a thrilling Champions League quarter-final tie between the sides on away goals in April when Raheem Sterling had an injury-time strike ruled out by VAR. And City were denied once more when Gabriel Jesus saw a stoppage-time winner disallowed on review for a handball by Aymeric Laporte. "Deja vu. It was the same," said Guardiola. (The) last action we score a goal, VAR disallowed it. What should I say? It's the second time, it's tough." Guardiola was angered by the inconsistent use of the technology as City were not awarded a penalty in the first-half when Rodri was hauled to the floor by Erik Lamela. "It was incredible it wasn't a penalty in the first-half, but VAR said it wasn't and then at the end they did." City twice led through Sterling and Sergio Aguero, but just like in last season's European clash between the sides, the hosts were susceptible on the counter-attack and at set-pieces. Lamela's long-range effort briefly brought Spurs level in the first-half and substitute Lucas Moura equalised with his first touch 11 minutes into the second period as Mauricio Pochettino's men scored with their only two shots on target. A share of the points sees both sides fall two points behind Liverpool just two games into the new season, but on this evidence another shootout between City and Liverpool for the title looks likely as Tottenham struggled to cope with Guardiola's men, who had 30 shots on goal. "Better than that I don't know if we are able to reach it," added Guardiola. "We would like to win because the guys deserve it, but football sometimes is like this." Sterling continued his stunning early-season form by opening the scoring with a fine header from a delightful cross by Kevin de Bruyne. City had been utterly dominant for the first quarter of the match, but were hit with a sucker punch just three minutes after going in front. Lamela was afforded acres of space inside the City half and took advantage of poor position by Ederson to curl home an equaliser from well outside the box. The goal briefly gave Spurs the belief Pochettino had talked of before the game that they can push City and Liverpool for a three-way title race this season. However, that quickly evaporated as the hosts took control again thanks to another sensational De Bruyne assist as this time Aguero converted the Belgian's low cross. But Pochettino blamed the uncertainty still surrounding the futures of Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen before the transfer window closes across Europe for his side's inability to match City. "Sometimes people struggle to realise we arrive here with our circumstances, we cannot fight face-to-face with them," said Pochettino. "We have a lot of circumstances we have to fix in the last few weeks until the transfer window shuts in Europe." De Bruyne should have had a hat-trick of assists before half-time as Ilkay Gundogan side-footed wide another inviting low cross, while Hugo Lloris saved from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Bernardo Silva to keep Tottenham in the game. And that proved vital as Lucas ran straight on the pitch to flick home Lamela's corner with his head. Spurs did not manage another effort on goal as City laid seige to their goal in search of a winner. Jesus replaced Aguero, who was embroiled in an argument with Guardiola after leaving the field. "We have a good relationship. It's the emotion of the game, he's an incredible competitor," insisted Guardiola. The Argentine striker and his manager had reconciled any differences as they hugged each other in celebration when Jesus coolly slotted into the bottom corner in the 94th minute to seemingly win the game. But replays showed the ball broke to the Brazilian via the arm of Laporte and City's ecstasy turned to agony again.

Deja vu for Manchester City as VAR saves Spurs again

Champions Manchester City delivered an emphatic statement of intent with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United as they began their bid for a hat-trick of Premier League title on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling's hat-trick fired City to a crushing victory as they more than matched title rivals Liverpool's 4-1 hammering of Norwich City on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur, the only side to keep pace with City and Liverpool last season before falling away and finishing a distant fourth, began their campaign with a 3-1 home victory over Aston Villa -- Harry Kane scoring two late goals.

There were also impressive wins for Burnley and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on the opening Saturday of the season while Sheffield United marked their return to the Premier League by picking up a point at Bournemouth.

Champions League winners Liverpool, who finished one point behind City in an epic title race last season, lit the touchpaper at Anfield but Pep Guardiola's City, as they seemingly always manage to do, stole the limelight.

Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, preferred to Sergio Aguero in attack, opened the scoring in the 25th minute and Sterling made it 2-0 six minutes after the interval with a cool finish after being put through by Kevin De Bruyne.

Jesus became the first player to have a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League when, in the 53rd minute, he finished off Sterling's pass following a fine move. However, the VAR adjudged Sterling had been offside.

VAR, making its Premier League debut this season, was used again to review and validate Sterling's second and the video staff were busy again in the 84th minute when Aguero's soft penalty was saved but VAR ruled that Declan Rice was encroaching into the box and referee Mike Dean ordered a re-take.

The Argentine scored before Sterling completed his hat-trick in stoppage time -- the first player to do so on the opening weekend of the Premier League since Didier Drogba in 2010.

City have now won 15 Premier League games in a row.

"I cannot deny it, I'm delighted to win 5-0 away from home in the first game," said Guardiola, who felt his side had been sloppy in the first half at the London Stadium.

"The rhythm was not there but that's normal for the first game. In the second half we were better, we were more calm, we played extra passes. After we went 3-0 up the game was over."

Home start

Tottenham were playing at home on the opening weekend for the first time in eight seasons but Villa, back in the top flight after a three-season absence, led through John McGinn's ninth-minute strike and hung on grimly.

Debutant Tanguy Ndombele, Tottenham's record signing, struck a 73rd minute equalise though and Kane punished a tiring Villa side with two clinical strikes.

That condemned Villa captain Jack Grealish to his 19th Premier League defeat in a row, the longest losing run of any player in the competition's history.

Brighton made an excellent start under new boss Graham Potter with a surprise 3-0 win at Watford -- thanks to an own goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure and second-half strikes by forwards Florin Andone and Neal Maupay.

Ashley Barnes struck twice as Sean Dyche's Burnley beat Southampton 3-0 in a meeting of two of last season's strugglers at a wet and windswept Turf Moor.

Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson added the third on a disappointing day for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

Local boy Billy Sharp came off the bench for Sheffield United to earn a share of the spoils in their first Premier League game since 2007 as they drew 1-1 t Bournemouth. Defender Chris Mepham had put the Cherries ahead in the 62nd minute.

Everton's investments have raised hopes of a top-six challenge but they had to settle for a point at Crystal Palace after missing a series of chances in a 0-0 draw.

Manchester United host Chelsea in Sunday's big game with Arsenal at Newcastle United.

Champions Manchester City delivered an emphatic statement of intent with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United as they began their bid for a hat-trick of Premier League title on Saturday.

Champions Manchester City delivered an emphatic statement of intent with a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United as they began their bid for a hat-trick of Premier League title on Saturday. Raheem Sterling's hat-trick fired City to a crushing victory as they more than matched title rivals Liverpool's 4-1 hammering of Norwich City on Friday. Tottenham Hotspur, the only side to keep pace with City and Liverpool last season before falling away and finishing a distant fourth, began their campaign with a 3-1 home victory over Aston Villa -- Harry Kane scoring two late goals. There were also impressive wins for Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening Saturday of the season while Sheffield United marked their return to the Premier League by picking up a point at Bournemouth. Champions League winners Liverpool, who finished one point behind City in an epic title race last season, lit the touchpaper at Anfield but Pep Guardiola's City, as they seemingly always manage to do, stole the limelight. Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, preferred to Sergio Aguero in attack, opened the scoring in the 25th minute and Sterling made it 2-0 six minutes after the interval with a cool finish after being put through by Kevin De Bruyne. Jesus became the first player to have a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League when, in the 53rd minute, he finished off Sterling's pass following a fine move. However, the VAR adjudged Sterling had been offside. VAR, making its Premier League debut this season, was used again to review and validate Sterling's second and the video staff were busy again in the 84th minute when Aguero's soft penalty was saved but VAR ruled that Declan Rice was encroaching into the box and referee Mike Dean ordered a re-take. The Argentine scored before Sterling completed his hat-trick in stoppage time -- the first player to do so on the opening weekend of the Premier League since Didier Drogba in 2010. City have now won 15 Premier League games in a row. "I cannot deny it, I'm delighted to win 5-0 away from home in the first game," said Guardiola, who felt his side had been sloppy in the first half at the London Stadium. "The rhythm was not there but that's normal for the first game. In the second half we were better, we were more calm, we played extra passes. After we went 3-0 up the game was over." Home start Tottenham were playing at home on the opening weekend for the first time in eight seasons but Villa, back in the top flight after a three-season absence, led through John McGinn's ninth-minute strike and hung on grimly. Debutant Tanguy Ndombele, Tottenham's record signing, struck a 73rd minute equalise though and Kane punished a tiring Villa side with two clinical strikes. That condemned Villa captain Jack Grealish to his 19th Premier League defeat in a row, the longest losing run of any player in the competition's history. Brighton made an excellent start under new boss Graham Potter with a surprise 3-0 win at Watford -- thanks to an own goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure and second-half strikes by forwards Florin Andone and Neal Maupay. Ashley Barnes struck twice as Sean Dyche's Burnley beat Southampton 3-0 in a meeting of two of last season's strugglers at a wet and windswept Turf Moor. Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson added the third on a disappointing day for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side. Local boy Billy Sharp came off the bench for Sheffield United to earn a share of the spoils in their first Premier League game since 2007 as they drew 1-1 t Bournemouth. Defender Chris Mepham had put the Cherries ahead in the 62nd minute. Everton's investments have raised hopes of a top-six challenge but they had to settle for a point at Crystal Palace after missing a series of chances in a 0-0 draw. Manchester United host Chelsea in Sunday's big game with Arsenal at Newcastle United.

Five-star City make statement, Kane seals late Spurs win

Jose Mourinho claims <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-pep-guardiola-backs-special-sterling-to-shine-as-striker-242288">Manchester City</a> are so strong the Premier League champions could even win the title with their second-string side.

Mourinho, working as a pundit for Sky Sports on Sunday, was asked who can win the title this season and the former Manchester United boss was quick to highlight City's strength in depth.

City kicked off their bid for a third successive title by thrashing West Ham 5-0 on Saturday thanks to Raheem Sterling's hat-trick and strikes from Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero.

Against West Ham, Pep Guardiola's side had a substitutes bench including new signing Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Aguero, who scored a penalty after his second-half introduction.

"Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool and the Man City 'B' team," Mourinho said of the potential title challengers.

"When I looked at the bench yesterday, the players not involved, I think even the 'B' team could fight for the title."

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Mourinho also admitted he did not believe United could win the title last season before he was sacked in December.

"When I said that second position the previous season (2017-18) was one of my biggest achievements in football I was not having fun with the words," he said.&nbsp;

"I just was just telling you what I was feeling.

"I didn't feel last season we did enough in the transfer window to allow us to compete for the first position because though we finished second the distance to first was very considerable.

"So I don't feel this season they can win but I hope they feel they can because that will be an important motivational push for them."

Jose Mourinho claims Manchester City are so strong the Premier League champions could even win the title with their second-string side. Mourinho, working as a pundit for Sky Sports on Sunday, was asked who can win the title this season and the former Manchester United boss was quick to highlight City's strength in depth.

Jose Mourinho claims Manchester City are so strong the Premier League champions could even win the title with their second-string side. Mourinho, working as a pundit for Sky Sports on Sunday, was asked who can win the title this season and the former Manchester United boss was quick to highlight City's strength in depth. City kicked off their bid for a third successive title by thrashing West Ham 5-0 on Saturday thanks to Raheem Sterling's hat-trick and strikes from Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero. Against West Ham, Pep Guardiola's side had a substitutes bench including new signing Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Aguero, who scored a penalty after his second-half introduction. "Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool and the Man City 'B' team," Mourinho said of the potential title challengers. "When I looked at the bench yesterday, the players not involved, I think even the 'B' team could fight for the title." Former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Mourinho also admitted he did not believe United could win the title last season before he was sacked in December. "When I said that second position the previous season (2017-18) was one of my biggest achievements in football I was not having fun with the words," he said. "I just was just telling you what I was feeling. "I didn't feel last season we did enough in the transfer window to allow us to compete for the first position because though we finished second the distance to first was very considerable. "So I don't feel this season they can win but I hope they feel they can because that will be an important motivational push for them."

Manchester City's reserves could win title says Jose Mourinho

Tottenham led the way on a busy final day of the Premier League transfer window with deals for Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon, while Arsenal strengthened their defence with the signings of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-agree-deal-for-tierney-closing-in-on-luiz-241483">Kieran Tierney and David Luiz</a>.

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku's prolonged transfer to Inter Milan was also completed after the clubs reportedly agreed on a deal that could rise to €80 million (£74 million, $90 million).

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been under pressure from manager Mauricio Pochettino to build on the progress made on and off the field as Tottenham moved into a new 62,000-capacity stadium and reached the Champions League final last season.

After the club-record signing of French international midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, the signings of Lo Celso and Sessegnon add some much-needed depth to a Spurs squad that had previously gone 18 months without a new recruit.

Argentine international midfielder Lo Celso has joined on a season-long loan deal from Real Betis with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.

England under-21 international Sessegnon joins from Fulham in a £25 million deal that could rise to £30 million in performance-related add-ons on a six-year contract.

"I think it is the right time for me to come here," said Sessegnon. "It's a young, eager, exciting team for me to join and I think this team is not far off winning big things in the future."

However, a sensational swoop for Juventus' Paulo Dybala broke down, leaving Spurs short on support for Harry Kane up front.

Arsenal bolster defence

Arsenal were badly in need of defensive recruits to shore up a backline that conceded 51 Premier League goals last season to miss out on Champions League football for a third straight year.

The Londoners' long-standing interest in Tierney was finally given the green light when the payment structure of a £25-million move was agreed with Celtic.

"I've lived my dream and I've loved every single minute of it," said Tierney of leaving his boyhood club. "Now I just feel was the right time to take a step on. I feel this is a great opportunity for me."

Arsenal then secured some much-needed cover at centre-back in an £8 million deal for Luiz.

"David has huge experience and I look forward to working with him again. He is a well known player and adds to our defensive strength," said Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

The Gunners clawed back that deadline day spend after agreeing a £35 million deal to sell Nigerian international striker Alex&nbsp;Iwobi&nbsp;to Everton.

Iwobi&nbsp;is Everton's seventh signing of the summer following goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, right-back Djibril Sidibe, midfielders Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and striker Moise Kean.

Manchester City and Liverpool are expected to battle for the Premier League title once more, but were not busy on deadline day.

City brought in veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson on loan from Derby as back-up to Ederson and Claudio Bravo after the signings of Rodri, Angelino and Joao Cancelo earlier in the window.

Liverpool made just three low-key additions in teenagers Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott and back-up goalkeeper Adrian over the course of the summer.

Outside the top six, Watford broke their transfer record to bring in Senegal international Ismaila Sarr for a reported €35 million from Rennes.

Wilfried Zaha's hopes of a move from Crystal Palace were snubbed as Everton could not match the London club's asking price.

"It's been well documented that he wanted to leave, but it has not worked out for him," admitted Palace manager Roy Hodgson.

Brighton bolstered their midfield options with the loan signing of Australian international Aaron Mooy.

Former England international Andy Carroll returned to Newcastle on a free transfer from West Ham, while the Magpies also secured Swedish defender Emil Krafth.

Leicester used some of the £80 million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire on Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet for €20 million.

And Burnley secured the services of Danny Drinkwater on loan from Chelsea until January.

Tottenham led the way on a busy final day of the Premier League transfer window with deals for Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon, while Arsenal strengthened their defence with the signings of Kieran Tierney and David Luiz.

Tottenham led the way on a busy final day of the Premier League transfer window with deals for Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon, while Arsenal strengthened their defence with the signings of Kieran Tierney and David Luiz. Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku's prolonged transfer to Inter Milan was also completed after the clubs reportedly agreed on a deal that could rise to €80 million (£74 million, $90 million). Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been under pressure from manager Mauricio Pochettino to build on the progress made on and off the field as Tottenham moved into a new 62,000-capacity stadium and reached the Champions League final last season. After the club-record signing of French international midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, the signings of Lo Celso and Sessegnon add some much-needed depth to a Spurs squad that had previously gone 18 months without a new recruit. Argentine international midfielder Lo Celso has joined on a season-long loan deal from Real Betis with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer. England under-21 international Sessegnon joins from Fulham in a £25 million deal that could rise to £30 million in performance-related add-ons on a six-year contract. "I think it is the right time for me to come here," said Sessegnon. "It's a young, eager, exciting team for me to join and I think this team is not far off winning big things in the future." However, a sensational swoop for Juventus' Paulo Dybala broke down, leaving Spurs short on support for Harry Kane up front. Arsenal bolster defence Arsenal were badly in need of defensive recruits to shore up a backline that conceded 51 Premier League goals last season to miss out on Champions League football for a third straight year. The Londoners' long-standing interest in Tierney was finally given the green light when the payment structure of a £25-million move was agreed with Celtic. "I've lived my dream and I've loved every single minute of it," said Tierney of leaving his boyhood club. "Now I just feel was the right time to take a step on. I feel this is a great opportunity for me." Arsenal then secured some much-needed cover at centre-back in an £8 million deal for Luiz. "David has huge experience and I look forward to working with him again. He is a well known player and adds to our defensive strength," said Arsenal boss Unai Emery. The Gunners clawed back that deadline day spend after agreeing a £35 million deal to sell Nigerian international striker Alex Iwobi to Everton. Iwobi is Everton's seventh signing of the summer following goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, right-back Djibril Sidibe, midfielders Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and striker Moise Kean. Manchester City and Liverpool are expected to battle for the Premier League title once more, but were not busy on deadline day. City brought in veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson on loan from Derby as back-up to Ederson and Claudio Bravo after the signings of Rodri, Angelino and Joao Cancelo earlier in the window. Liverpool made just three low-key additions in teenagers Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott and back-up goalkeeper Adrian over the course of the summer. Outside the top six, Watford broke their transfer record to bring in Senegal international Ismaila Sarr for a reported €35 million from Rennes. Wilfried Zaha's hopes of a move from Crystal Palace were snubbed as Everton could not match the London club's asking price. "It's been well documented that he wanted to leave, but it has not worked out for him," admitted Palace manager Roy Hodgson. Brighton bolstered their midfield options with the loan signing of Australian international Aaron Mooy. Former England international Andy Carroll returned to Newcastle on a free transfer from West Ham, while the Magpies also secured Swedish defender Emil Krafth. Leicester used some of the £80 million they received from Manchester United for Harry Maguire on Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet for €20 million. And Burnley secured the services of Danny Drinkwater on loan from Chelsea until January.

Tottenham, Arsenal splash cash on Premier League deadline day

How the Premier League top six fared in the transfer window

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino apologised to Manchester United for his team's robust tackling in a 2-1 pre-season defeat on Thursday, but said their Premier League rivals were not blameless in the feisty encounter in Shanghai.

United youth product Angel Gomes sealed victory in the 81st minute after Spurs' Lucas Moura cancelled out Anthony Martial's first-half opener but a number of tough tackles from both teams threatened to overshadow the pre-season contest.&nbsp;

Moussa Sissoko risked being dismissed for a challenge and subsequent stamp on Daniel James that left the United winger writhing in pain while Dele Alli and United's Andreas Pereira were also guilty of poor tackles.

"I apologise to United on behalf of our players. I expect the same because there was some action in the second half that they made to us," Pochettino told reporters.

"I was a bit annoyed about some situations ... because you can arrive late and something can happen. Sometimes you need to be aggressive, play with passion but the focus is on building fitness and developing the way we want to play."

Pochettino was concerned that his players would pick up injuries in a heated clash where United defender Eric Bailly hurt his knee when he tried to block Son Heung-min.

"Of course I was worried ... Bailly got injured and I'm sorry for that ... when players start to build their fitness and fight for their place, when something happens in pre season it's always tough," the Argentine added.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the prognosis for Bailly, who has been plagued by injuries in his time at Old Trafford, did not look encouraging.

"It seems that he's twisted his knee so we have to do some scans and checks on him. At first sight, it doesn't look great but let's see how it goes," the Norwegian told the club's television channel MUTV.

However, Solskjaer said he had no problems with the tackles his players faced.

"It's a competitive sport and we're preparing for the league. There was no tippy-toe football ... we didn't just receive. We gave as well. I thought it was a good game."

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino apologised to Manchester United for his team's robust tackling in a 2-1 pre-season defeat on Thursday, but said their Premier League rivals were not blameless in the feisty encounter in Shanghai.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino apologised to Manchester United for his team's robust tackling in a 2-1 pre-season defeat on Thursday, but said their Premier League rivals were not blameless in the feisty encounter in Shanghai. United youth product Angel Gomes sealed victory in the 81st minute after Spurs' Lucas Moura cancelled out Anthony Martial's first-half opener but a number of tough tackles from both teams threatened to overshadow the pre-season contest. Moussa Sissoko risked being dismissed for a challenge and subsequent stamp on Daniel James that left the United winger writhing in pain while Dele Alli and United's Andreas Pereira were also guilty of poor tackles. "I apologise to United on behalf of our players. I expect the same because there was some action in the second half that they made to us," Pochettino told reporters. "I was a bit annoyed about some situations ... because you can arrive late and something can happen. Sometimes you need to be aggressive, play with passion but the focus is on building fitness and developing the way we want to play." Pochettino was concerned that his players would pick up injuries in a heated clash where United defender Eric Bailly hurt his knee when he tried to block Son Heung-min. "Of course I was worried ... Bailly got injured and I'm sorry for that ... when players start to build their fitness and fight for their place, when something happens in pre season it's always tough," the Argentine added. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the prognosis for Bailly, who has been plagued by injuries in his time at Old Trafford, did not look encouraging. "It seems that he's twisted his knee so we have to do some scans and checks on him. At first sight, it doesn't look great but let's see how it goes," the Norwegian told the club's television channel MUTV. However, Solskjaer said he had no problems with the tackles his players faced. "It's a competitive sport and we're preparing for the league. There was no tippy-toe football ... we didn't just receive. We gave as well. I thought it was a good game."

Mauricio Pochettino apologises to Manchester United for tough tackling in loss

Gareth Bale will not be leaving Real Madrid on loan during the transfer window despite falling out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, his agent said on Tuesday.

The Real boss said at the weekend the La Liga giants were poised to offload the 30-year-old Wales star.

But his representative, Jonathan Barnett, told&nbsp;Sky Sports News any deal would have to be a permanent one.

"There will be no makeshift deals to get him out of the club," said Barnett, who said previously that Zidane has shown "no respect" for Bale's achievements at Real.

"Gareth is one of the best players on the planet. I can guarantee you he will not be going on loan to any club."

Bale has been deemed surplus to requirements at Real despite helping his side to a Spanish title and four Champions League crowns since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur six years ago.

His brace, including a brilliant bicycle kick, sank Liverpool in the 2018 final but he was not used as a regular starter by Zidane after the Frenchman returned to the Real bench in early March.

"Gareth is a Real Madrid player and for now he's staying as a Real Madrid player," said Barnett.

"If something comes along that suits us, then things could change and he could be gone in a day or a week. Or he could still be a Real player in three years, when his contract ends."

Real are playing Arsenal in a friendly on Tuesday at the FedExField -- home of the NFL's Washington Redskins.

Gareth Bale will not be leaving Real Madrid on loan during the transfer window despite falling out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, his agent said on Tuesday. The Real boss said at the weekend the La Liga giants were poised to offload the 30-year-old Wales star.

Gareth Bale will not be leaving Real Madrid on loan during the transfer window despite falling out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, his agent said on Tuesday. The Real boss said at the weekend the La Liga giants were poised to offload the 30-year-old Wales star. But his representative, Jonathan Barnett, told Sky Sports News any deal would have to be a permanent one. "There will be no makeshift deals to get him out of the club," said Barnett, who said previously that Zidane has shown "no respect" for Bale's achievements at Real. "Gareth is one of the best players on the planet. I can guarantee you he will not be going on loan to any club." Bale has been deemed surplus to requirements at Real despite helping his side to a Spanish title and four Champions League crowns since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur six years ago. His brace, including a brilliant bicycle kick, sank Liverpool in the 2018 final but he was not used as a regular starter by Zidane after the Frenchman returned to the Real bench in early March. "Gareth is a Real Madrid player and for now he's staying as a Real Madrid player," said Barnett. "If something comes along that suits us, then things could change and he could be gone in a day or a week. Or he could still be a Real player in three years, when his contract ends." Real are playing Arsenal in a friendly on Tuesday at the FedExField -- home of the NFL's Washington Redskins.

Gareth Bale 'won't be leaving' Real Madrid on loan, says agent

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scored a stunning goal in the stoppage time to secure a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-strikes-as-tottenham-sink-juventus-in-singapore-237495">3-2 win over Juventus</a> in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday.&nbsp;

During the match, Tottenham opened the goal through&nbsp;Erik Lamela's strike in the 31st minute but Juventus' Gonzalo Higuain levelled the score in the 56th minute.&nbsp;

The Italian giants went ahead after Cristiano Ronaldo netted on the hour mark but Lucas Moura scored the equaliser in the 65th minute.&nbsp;

Kane scored the winner in the 93rd minute lofting a shot from the centre&nbsp;circle that cleared over the head of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, landing it into the net.&nbsp;

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said the goal was "unbelievable". He said, "I think it was a great, great goal, unbelievable goal for Harry (Kane), I think it's good for him, to start the pre-season by scoring."

"To compete in our best way and win is always better than don't win, and of course, I think we are happy with the performance. But the most important is we are happy that the players finished in a good condition to train tomorrow, to train after tomorrow and build step by step our fitness," Pochettino added.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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Good to be back 😉⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/0IyYufatit">pic.twitter.com/0IyYufatit</a>
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The International Champions Cup features 12 teams playing friendly matches in venues in North America, Europe and Asia.&nbsp;

Next Tottenham will face&nbsp;Manchester United in Shanghai and Juventus travel to Nanjing, China next to face fellow Serie A side Inter Milan.&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scored a stunning goal in the stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win over Juventus in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scored a stunning goal in the stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win over Juventus in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday. During the match, Tottenham opened the goal through Erik Lamela's strike in the 31st minute but Juventus' Gonzalo Higuain levelled the score in the 56th minute. The Italian giants went ahead after Cristiano Ronaldo netted on the hour mark but Lucas Moura scored the equaliser in the 65th minute. Kane scored the winner in the 93rd minute lofting a shot from the centre circle that cleared over the head of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, landing it into the net. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said the goal was "unbelievable". He said, "I think it was a great, great goal, unbelievable goal for Harry (Kane), I think it's good for him, to start the pre-season by scoring." "To compete in our best way and win is always better than don't win, and of course, I think we are happy with the performance. But the most important is we are happy that the players finished in a good condition to train tomorrow, to train after tomorrow and build step by step our fitness," Pochettino added. Watch the video: Good to be back 😉⚽ #COYS pic.twitter.com/0IyYufatit — Harry Kane (@HKane) July 21, 2019 × The International Champions Cup features 12 teams playing friendly matches in venues in North America, Europe and Asia. Next Tottenham will face Manchester United in Shanghai and Juventus travel to Nanjing, China next to face fellow Serie A side Inter Milan.

Watch: Harry Kane's 93rd-minute wonder goal against Juventus

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scored what he called "one of the best goals" of his career to beat Italian champions Juventus 3-2 in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday.

Kane capitalised after teammate Lucas Moura nicked the ball deep into injury time, allowing the striker to thump it from the halfway line high into the steamy night and over the head of Juventus' back-pedalling goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

His goal completed a comeback after Cristiano Ronaldo put Juventus 2-1 in front.

"It is probably one of the best goals of my career," Kane said.

"I could see in parts of the game the keeper was off the line. I thought if I get a chance to shoot, I'll shoot and thankfully it went in."

Spurs midfielder Erik Lamela scored the only goal of the first half, striking from close range in the 31st minute after Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon palmed a shot from teenage striker Troy Parrott into his path.

In a more lively second half, Juventus substitute Gonzalo Higuain equalised in the 56th minute after some neat interplay on the edge of the box gave him the space to place it low into the right corner.

Then up stepped crowd-favourite Ronaldo.

Defender Mattia De Sciglio cut the ball back to the Portuguese who drilled it across the keeper in his last touch before he was replaced.

But Juventus' lead did not last long. In the 65th minute, Moura got on the end of a pinpoint pass from Tanguy Ndombele, the French midfielder who joined Spurs for a club record fee earlier this month.

In the closing stages, Higuain had a decent chance to break the deadlock. But it was Kane's wonder-goal - which came after Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot lost the ball - which sealed the win in the dying seconds.

"It was a great goal. Unbelievable from Harry. It is good for him to set off pre-season with scoring," said Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The International Champions Cup features 12 teams playing friendly matches in venues in North America, Europe and Asia.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scored what he called "one of the best goals" of his career to beat Italian champions Juventus 3-2 in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scored what he called "one of the best goals" of his career to beat Italian champions Juventus 3-2 in an enthralling International Champions Cup contest in Singapore on Sunday. Kane capitalised after teammate Lucas Moura nicked the ball deep into injury time, allowing the striker to thump it from the halfway line high into the steamy night and over the head of Juventus' back-pedalling goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. His goal completed a comeback after Cristiano Ronaldo put Juventus 2-1 in front. "It is probably one of the best goals of my career," Kane said. "I could see in parts of the game the keeper was off the line. I thought if I get a chance to shoot, I'll shoot and thankfully it went in." Spurs midfielder Erik Lamela scored the only goal of the first half, striking from close range in the 31st minute after Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon palmed a shot from teenage striker Troy Parrott into his path. In a more lively second half, Juventus substitute Gonzalo Higuain equalised in the 56th minute after some neat interplay on the edge of the box gave him the space to place it low into the right corner. Then up stepped crowd-favourite Ronaldo. Defender Mattia De Sciglio cut the ball back to the Portuguese who drilled it across the keeper in his last touch before he was replaced. But Juventus' lead did not last long. In the 65th minute, Moura got on the end of a pinpoint pass from Tanguy Ndombele, the French midfielder who joined Spurs for a club record fee earlier this month. In the closing stages, Higuain had a decent chance to break the deadlock. But it was Kane's wonder-goal - which came after Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot lost the ball - which sealed the win in the dying seconds. "It was a great goal. Unbelievable from Harry. It is good for him to set off pre-season with scoring," said Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino. The International Champions Cup features 12 teams playing friendly matches in venues in North America, Europe and Asia.

Harry Kane strikes as Tottenham sink Juventus in Singapore

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that the team is motivated ahead of the new Premier League season, which is scheduled to begin from&nbsp;August 10. Spurs will kick-off the season with hosting Aston Villa, who returned to the top flight via the playoffs after a three-season absence.

Ahead of the International Champions Cup in Singapore, Harry Kane and Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino addressed media to share their thoughts on the upcoming season.&nbsp;

"We know it was there for the taking and it's something we have to deal with over the summer," Kane said of the Champions League final defeat.&nbsp;"With everything last season I think we did extremely well. I haven't watched the game again."

"When we first, look back five years ago the aim was to be playing Champions League football in a new stadium and, of course, we went a lot quicker than people expected," said English striker Harry Kane.

"Everything's in place to now build and progress so, like I said earlier, it's down to us, there's no excuses," Kane added. "For me, I'm just excited to, yeah, get going again and try and have a great season."

Tottenham&nbsp;manager Pochettino said that last month's Champions League final defeat has made him more determined to succeed at the club.&nbsp;

Pochettino said he was keen to continue with the five-year "project" that has seen&nbsp;Tottenham&nbsp;establish themselves in the Premier League top four and finally move into their new stadium after a series of delays.&nbsp;

"After the final the feeling wasn't great, to finish like this. I am not a person who wants to avoid the problem. I love a big challenge," the 47-year-old Argentine told reporters as he looked back at the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in Madrid.

Pochettino also said&nbsp;that Spurs have set a massive example for all the clubs. "I think Tottenham, in the last few years, is a massive example for all the clubs."

"It's going to be another massive challenge for us next season, but, we are brave, I think we have the motivation and the, of course we are going to try to fight and have a very good season," the manager&nbsp;added.

Tottenham will face Juventus on Sunday (21st July) in a pre-season friendly.&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that the team is motivated ahead of the new Premier League season, which is scheduled to begin from August 10. Spurs will kick-off the season with hosting Aston Villa, who returned to the top flight via the playoffs after a three-season absence.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that the team is motivated ahead of the new Premier League season, which is scheduled to begin from August 10. Spurs will kick-off the season with hosting Aston Villa, who returned to the top flight via the playoffs after a three-season absence. Ahead of the International Champions Cup in Singapore, Harry Kane and Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino addressed media to share their thoughts on the upcoming season. "We know it was there for the taking and it's something we have to deal with over the summer," Kane said of the Champions League final defeat. "With everything last season I think we did extremely well. I haven't watched the game again." "When we first, look back five years ago the aim was to be playing Champions League football in a new stadium and, of course, we went a lot quicker than people expected," said English striker Harry Kane. "Everything's in place to now build and progress so, like I said earlier, it's down to us, there's no excuses," Kane added. "For me, I'm just excited to, yeah, get going again and try and have a great season." Tottenham manager Pochettino said that last month's Champions League final defeat has made him more determined to succeed at the club. Pochettino said he was keen to continue with the five-year "project" that has seen Tottenham establish themselves in the Premier League top four and finally move into their new stadium after a series of delays. "After the final the feeling wasn't great, to finish like this. I am not a person who wants to avoid the problem. I love a big challenge," the 47-year-old Argentine told reporters as he looked back at the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in Madrid. Pochettino also said that Spurs have set a massive example for all the clubs. "I think Tottenham, in the last few years, is a massive example for all the clubs." "It's going to be another massive challenge for us next season, but, we are brave, I think we have the motivation and the, of course we are going to try to fight and have a very good season," the manager added. Tottenham will face Juventus on Sunday (21st July) in a pre-season friendly.

'More excited about season ahead than looking in past,' says Harry Kane

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohamed-salahs-penalty-strike-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-final-223514">Mohamed Salah</a>'s early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid.

Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.

Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish.

Salah&nbsp;scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history&nbsp;as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-female-pitch-invaders-identity-revealed-223518">Female pitch invader's identity revealed</a>

Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final.&nbsp;

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🏆 CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/4W9diw8Q94">pic.twitter.com/4W9diw8Q94</a>
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🔴 Liverpool's name is on the trophy for the sixth time!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/9AJSZtAhUv">pic.twitter.com/9AJSZtAhUv</a>
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Divock Origi 🙌 
 
Semi-final hero ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLfinal</a> hero ✅ <a href="https://t.co/2EETtC2U2k">pic.twitter.com/2EETtC2U2k</a>
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A disappointing final never truly got going after that, but Liverpool will not care, as they saw Alisson Becker make several confident saves in the latter stages before substitute Origi drilled in the killer second in the 87th minute.

That led to an explosion of joy from their supporters inside the Metropolitano Stadium as Jurgen Klopp's side made up for their defeat in last year's final against Real Madrid and the deflation of missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Salah has his redemption after injury ruined his night against Real in Kiev, and the revered Klopp has his first trophy as Liverpool manager, three and a half years on from his arrival at the club. The German ends a run of six straight defeats in finals.

More importantly, Liverpool have their sixth European Cup, further cementing their status as one of football's most storied clubs.

They now have more than Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and twice as many as their great rivals Manchester United.

Perhaps the occasion was just too much for Tottenham in their first ever appearance in the Champions League final. Beating Liverpool was always going to be a big ask, and they have now lost all three meetings with these opponents this season, winning just one of their last 15 encounters.

Mauricio Pochettino's decision to start Harry Kane after nearly two months out did not pay off, and he is still looking for his first trophy after five years in charge.

Nevertheless, if they can keep him, and with the impetus from the move to their new stadium, maybe they will be back on such a stage before long.

That they were here at all was remarkable, Lucas Moura's sensational hat-trick that dumped out Ajax in the semi-finals capping a memorable Champions League season all round.

The stage was set for this match, only the second all-English final, but after all the hype and the stories of fans paying thousands for tickets for a game they simply could not miss, this was a strangely subdued affair between the two goals.

Kane gamble backfires

Perhaps the stakes were simply too high, or perhaps the three-week break since the end of the Premier League season was to blame.

Most likely the suffocating Madrid heat impacted on the players and prevented this from being like a typical Premier League clash.

However, it might also have been a result of the opening goal coming so early, badly affecting Tottenham's confidence.

Pochettino had opted to start Kane after an ankle injury, meaning Lucas was on the bench. Kane hardly touched the ball.

Eight members of Liverpool's team also started last season's final, when Salah went off injured and in tears in the first half.

This time Liverpool were the ones celebrating after a whirlwind start, Slovenian referee Damir Skomina pointing to the spot inside 25 seconds when Sissoko blocked Sadio Mane's cross with his arm.

Salah confidently blasted home the penalty for the second-fastest goal ever scored in the final of the modern Champions League.

The only faster effort was Paolo Maldini's effort for AC Milan against Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, when the Anfield side famously won on penalties.

Spurs just did not get going, and there was none of the frenzied pressing and attacking associated with Klopp's side, although Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both came close in the first half.

Pochettino's team did improve after the break, but Virgil van Dijk was immense for Liverpool and there was no way past Alisson, with the Brazilian saving well from Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen late on.

It was left to Origi, one of the heroes of the stunning semi-final win over Barcelona, to wrap it up with three minutes left as he swept home inside the box to end any doubt.

Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid.

Mohamed Salah's early penalty and a late goal by Divock Origi steered Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in an all-English final in Madrid. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Belgian striker Origi, who scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Liverpool's remarkable semi-final comeback, sealed victory three minutes from time with a superb low finish. Salah scored the second quickest goal in Champions League final history as he converted from the spot after just one minute and 48 seconds following a handball by Moussa Sissoko. Also Read: Female pitch invader's identity revealed Italy great Paolo Maldini holds the record for the fastest goal after he scored with just 50 seconds gone in the 2005 final against Liverpool. Mohamed Salah took on the responsibility and converted the penalty into a goal and became the first Egyptian to score in the Champions League final. 🏆 CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/4W9diw8Q94 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × 🔴 Liverpool's name is on the trophy for the sixth time!#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/9AJSZtAhUv — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × Divock Origi 🙌 Semi-final hero ✅#UCLfinal hero ✅ pic.twitter.com/2EETtC2U2k — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2019 × A disappointing final never truly got going after that, but Liverpool will not care, as they saw Alisson Becker make several confident saves in the latter stages before substitute Origi drilled in the killer second in the 87th minute. That led to an explosion of joy from their supporters inside the Metropolitano Stadium as Jurgen Klopp's side made up for their defeat in last year's final against Real Madrid and the deflation of missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City. Salah has his redemption after injury ruined his night against Real in Kiev, and the revered Klopp has his first trophy as Liverpool manager, three and a half years on from his arrival at the club. The German ends a run of six straight defeats in finals. More importantly, Liverpool have their sixth European Cup, further cementing their status as one of football's most storied clubs. They now have more than Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and twice as many as their great rivals Manchester United. Perhaps the occasion was just too much for Tottenham in their first ever appearance in the Champions League final. Beating Liverpool was always going to be a big ask, and they have now lost all three meetings with these opponents this season, winning just one of their last 15 encounters. Mauricio Pochettino's decision to start Harry Kane after nearly two months out did not pay off, and he is still looking for his first trophy after five years in charge. Nevertheless, if they can keep him, and with the impetus from the move to their new stadium, maybe they will be back on such a stage before long. That they were here at all was remarkable, Lucas Moura's sensational hat-trick that dumped out Ajax in the semi-finals capping a memorable Champions League season all round. The stage was set for this match, only the second all-English final, but after all the hype and the stories of fans paying thousands for tickets for a game they simply could not miss, this was a strangely subdued affair between the two goals. Kane gamble backfires Perhaps the stakes were simply too high, or perhaps the three-week break since the end of the Premier League season was to blame. Most likely the suffocating Madrid heat impacted on the players and prevented this from being like a typical Premier League clash. However, it might also have been a result of the opening goal coming so early, badly affecting Tottenham's confidence. Pochettino had opted to start Kane after an ankle injury, meaning Lucas was on the bench. Kane hardly touched the ball. Eight members of Liverpool's team also started last season's final, when Salah went off injured and in tears in the first half. This time Liverpool were the ones celebrating after a whirlwind start, Slovenian referee Damir Skomina pointing to the spot inside 25 seconds when Sissoko blocked Sadio Mane's cross with his arm. Salah confidently blasted home the penalty for the second-fastest goal ever scored in the final of the modern Champions League. The only faster effort was Paolo Maldini's effort for AC Milan against Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, when the Anfield side famously won on penalties. Spurs just did not get going, and there was none of the frenzied pressing and attacking associated with Klopp's side, although Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both came close in the first half. Pochettino's team did improve after the break, but Virgil van Dijk was immense for Liverpool and there was no way past Alisson, with the Brazilian saving well from Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen late on. It was left to Origi, one of the heroes of the stunning semi-final win over Barcelona, to wrap it up with three minutes left as he swept home inside the box to end any doubt.

Liverpool beat Tottenham to win Champions League final

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-beat-tottenham-to-win-champions-league-final-223520">first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp</a>. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come.

A beaming Klopp revealed after Saturday's 2-0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid that he had received a congratulatory phone call from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

Three weeks ago, the Reds were denied a first league title in 30 years by City, despite losing just once and racking up 97 points, but winning the Champions League makes up for that disappointment.

"We promised each other already that we will kick our butts next year again," Klopp said of his brief exchange with Guardiola in between speaking to the world's media at the Metropolitano Stadium. "We will go for everything and we'll see if we get something."

It was a sentiment shared by centre-back Virgil van Dijk as he spoke after being named man of the match in the final.

"In July when we start again, everyone starts on nil and everyone's working towards their goals," he declared.

"Obviously we want to challenge for every trophy if possible. We have the squad for it, but you've also seen it this year, you still have to do it, and hopefully we can challenge Manchester City again next season for the title, because I don't think they will go anywhere, so we won't go anywhere either."

Liverpool had won nothing at all since defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final in 2012. A trophy, but not on the same level as this.

After losing the Europa League final in 2016 and last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool seized their chance this time thanks to Mohamed Salah's early penalty and Divock Origi's late strike.

This was already a club reborn under the German's management, but such a tangible reward was needed, three and a half years on from his arrival on Merseyside.

"I'm interested really in development, but I get it, we have to win things, and so it's really important that people don't ask now all the time about not winning things," he said.

"Now we won something, and we will carry on, we want to win things, 100 per cent.

"This is only the start for this group, it's a wonderful age group, they still have the best times in their career still ahead of them, so that's big."

Istanbul again?

The former Borussia Dortmund coach has continually improved Liverpool in his time at the club, and nowhere was that more evident on Saturday than in goal.

Twelve months after two hideous errors by Loris Karius cost them dear against Real, his replacement Alisson showed just why Liverpool were prepared to pay £66.8 million (75 million euros, $84 million) to sign him from Roma as he made several key saves late in the game.

"He of course played a sensational game, he looked completely unbeatable pretty much," said Klopp.

Van Dijk was again outstanding too, so good that it was put to him that he could be a contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or.

It was not a great game and it was not a vintage Liverpool performance, but Klopp emphasised the importance of getting over the line. Now he will hope to strengthen again for next season, although they don't have long, with the new campaign starting on August 10.

Four days after that they will play Europa League winners Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, and some fans will already be dreaming of a return to the Turkish city next year when it hosts the 2020 Champions League final.

"We know that sometimes we carry the burden of history and making Istanbul happen again will be a target I would say, but it will be difficult," warned Klopp.

Liverpool's previous Champions League triumph before this came in Istanbul in 2005, when they went 3-0 down to AC Milan but came back to win on penalties.&nbsp;

Van Dijk added: "To be two years in a row in the Champions League final, it's something we hope to do every year, but we know ourselves how difficult it is to reach."

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come.

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come. A beaming Klopp revealed after Saturday's 2-0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid that he had received a congratulatory phone call from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. Three weeks ago, the Reds were denied a first league title in 30 years by City, despite losing just once and racking up 97 points, but winning the Champions League makes up for that disappointment. "We promised each other already that we will kick our butts next year again," Klopp said of his brief exchange with Guardiola in between speaking to the world's media at the Metropolitano Stadium. "We will go for everything and we'll see if we get something." It was a sentiment shared by centre-back Virgil van Dijk as he spoke after being named man of the match in the final. "In July when we start again, everyone starts on nil and everyone's working towards their goals," he declared. "Obviously we want to challenge for every trophy if possible. We have the squad for it, but you've also seen it this year, you still have to do it, and hopefully we can challenge Manchester City again next season for the title, because I don't think they will go anywhere, so we won't go anywhere either." Liverpool had won nothing at all since defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final in 2012. A trophy, but not on the same level as this. After losing the Europa League final in 2016 and last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool seized their chance this time thanks to Mohamed Salah's early penalty and Divock Origi's late strike. This was already a club reborn under the German's management, but such a tangible reward was needed, three and a half years on from his arrival on Merseyside. "I'm interested really in development, but I get it, we have to win things, and so it's really important that people don't ask now all the time about not winning things," he said. "Now we won something, and we will carry on, we want to win things, 100 per cent. "This is only the start for this group, it's a wonderful age group, they still have the best times in their career still ahead of them, so that's big." Istanbul again? The former Borussia Dortmund coach has continually improved Liverpool in his time at the club, and nowhere was that more evident on Saturday than in goal. Twelve months after two hideous errors by Loris Karius cost them dear against Real, his replacement Alisson showed just why Liverpool were prepared to pay £66.8 million (75 million euros, $84 million) to sign him from Roma as he made several key saves late in the game. "He of course played a sensational game, he looked completely unbeatable pretty much," said Klopp. Van Dijk was again outstanding too, so good that it was put to him that he could be a contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or. It was not a great game and it was not a vintage Liverpool performance, but Klopp emphasised the importance of getting over the line. Now he will hope to strengthen again for next season, although they don't have long, with the new campaign starting on August 10. Four days after that they will play Europa League winners Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, and some fans will already be dreaming of a return to the Turkish city next year when it hosts the 2020 Champions League final. "We know that sometimes we carry the burden of history and making Istanbul happen again will be a target I would say, but it will be difficult," warned Klopp. Liverpool's previous Champions League triumph before this came in Istanbul in 2005, when they went 3-0 down to AC Milan but came back to win on penalties. Van Dijk added: "To be two years in a row in the Champions League final, it's something we hope to do every year, but we know ourselves how difficult it is to reach."

'Only the start': Jurgen Klopp predicts more good times ahead for Liverpool

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverware-is-priority-for-liverpool-says-alexander-arnold-ahead-of-champions-league-final-against-tottenham-223223">Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool</a> are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-believes-fortune-has-favoured-tottenham-to-reach-champions-league-final-223317">Mauricio Pochettino</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hugo-lloris-eyes-winning-his-second-final-in-a-year-as-tottenham-face-liverpool-in-champions-league-final-223327">Tottenham</a> can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium.

For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season.

A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears.

Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in the 1950s.&nbsp;

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs.

"Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said.

In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium.

"We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino.

Kane to start?

Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury.

Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings.&nbsp;

Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach.

The German put a positive spin on that record.

"I am probably at the moment a&nbsp;world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it."

Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled.

Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury.

Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick.

That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue.

Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home.

But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets.

Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard.

Security challenge

The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid.

With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried.

Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event".

Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild.&nbsp;

Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs.

Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988.

If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the&nbsp;cup&nbsp;since Chelsea in 2012.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid. The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium. For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season. A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears. Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European Cup in the 1950s. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs. "Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said. In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium. "We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino. Kane to start? Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury. Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings. Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach. The German put a positive spin on that record. "I am probably at the moment a world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it." Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled. Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury. Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick. That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue. Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a World Cup and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home. But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets. Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard. Security challenge The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid. With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried. Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event". Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild. Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs. Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988. If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the cup since Chelsea in 2012.

Champions League: Liverpool and Tottenham set for the final showdown

Pochettino's side are the underdogs for the UEFA <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverware-is-priority-for-liverpool-says-alexander-arnold-ahead-of-champions-league-final-against-tottenham-223223">Champions League final against Liverpool</a> but they have overcome the odds on more than one occasion this season to make the final.

When talking about matters on the pitch Pochettino said he would make a decision about striker Harry Kane after the training session at Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Friday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenhams-danny-rose-never-imagined-reaching-champions-league-final-222555">Spurs </a>sneaked into the knockout stages of the competition with only eight points from six games and had to rely on Inter Milan failing to beat PSV Eindhoven in the final game to progress.

Pochettino praised his players after all of the difficulties they've faced this season, adding that they will give their best against Liverpool who he believes are the best side in the English league alongside Manchester City.

Reaching the final also gives Hugo Lloris the opportunity to become only the second captain to lift the World Cup and Champions League trophy in a 12-month period.&nbsp;

''As a professional athlete, I think it's important to enjoy the way you work and we know football is a collective sport. We spend so much time together and when you start to work on the togetherness aspect in training, then it can help us to achieve big things as a team in the competition,'' Lloris said.

Llorris added, ''This is probably why we are at this stage of the competition because we are a proper team."

Goalkeeper Lloris won the World Cup with France in July and he can now emulate Franz Beckenbauer who claimed the same feat with Germany and Bayern Munich.

The match will kickoff at 1900GMT on Saturday.

Pochettino's side are the underdogs for the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool but they have overcome the odds on more than one occasion this season to make the final.

Pochettino's side are the underdogs for the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool but they have overcome the odds on more than one occasion this season to make the final. When talking about matters on the pitch Pochettino said he would make a decision about striker Harry Kane after the training session at Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Friday evening. Spurs sneaked into the knockout stages of the competition with only eight points from six games and had to rely on Inter Milan failing to beat PSV Eindhoven in the final game to progress. Pochettino praised his players after all of the difficulties they've faced this season, adding that they will give their best against Liverpool who he believes are the best side in the English league alongside Manchester City. Reaching the final also gives Hugo Lloris the opportunity to become only the second captain to lift the World Cup and Champions League trophy in a 12-month period. ''As a professional athlete, I think it's important to enjoy the way you work and we know football is a collective sport. We spend so much time together and when you start to work on the togetherness aspect in training, then it can help us to achieve big things as a team in the competition,'' Lloris said. Llorris added, ''This is probably why we are at this stage of the competition because we are a proper team." Goalkeeper Lloris won the World Cup with France in July and he can now emulate Franz Beckenbauer who claimed the same feat with Germany and Bayern Munich. The match will kickoff at 1900GMT on Saturday.

Hugo Lloris eyes winning his second final in a year as Tottenham face Liverpool in Champions League final

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07uKDeXk50Fa_14bASBhMG">Tottenham Hotspur.</a>

They have made steady progress since Juergen Klopp was appointed manager in 2015 and the Merseyside club have qualified for the Champions League in his three full seasons in charge.

This season they stepped up their game to compete on two fronts, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title by a single point to Manchester City while also progressing to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-optimistic-harry-kane-will-play-in-champions-league-final-221259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QBborjG54nS6PoPscWdIc">Champions League final.</a>

The final in Madrid is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-salah-seeks-champions-league-final-redemption-222467&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jEMENHdMb07LB2-S1wjuD">Liverpool's</a> last chance to ensure they do not finish the season empty-handed and Alexander-Arnold said they deserved silverware for their performances under Klopp.

"We're at a place where we demand silverware from ourselves. It's not something we shy away from or are scared of. We're one of the best sides in the world," Alexander-Arnold told&nbsp;in an interview.

"We can't put too much pressure on our first major season of competing on two big fronts but ultimately it's the objective we're striving towards,'' said Alexander-Arnold.

"If we don't win a lot of silverware over the next few years then something has gone massively wrong because with this manager... with the way that we've been playing, it's incredible and we will keep going and going. That will be rewarded," he added.

This is Liverpool's second consecutive Champions League final and their fourth in 14 years, last winning the coveted trophy in 2005.

After losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the showpiece event in Kiev last season, Alexander-Arnold said he was not surprised the Anfield side were back in contention to win their sixth European Cup yet again this year.

"It has come really soon, but I didn't doubt that it would. This team is good enough to win leagues, to win Champions Leagues. We've shown that across the last two seasons especially and we just need to get over the line now," he added.

"I'm sure soon as we get one, we'll be unstoppable and that's the focus for us -- becoming a formidable team that is unbreakable,"&nbsp;said Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur. They have made steady progress since Juergen Klopp was appointed manager in 2015 and the Merseyside club have qualified for the Champions League in his three full seasons in charge. This season they stepped up their game to compete on two fronts, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title by a single point to Manchester City while also progressing to the Champions League final. The final in Madrid is Liverpool's last chance to ensure they do not finish the season empty-handed and Alexander-Arnold said they deserved silverware for their performances under Klopp. "We're at a place where we demand silverware from ourselves. It's not something we shy away from or are scared of. We're one of the best sides in the world," Alexander-Arnold told in an interview. "We can't put too much pressure on our first major season of competing on two big fronts but ultimately it's the objective we're striving towards,'' said Alexander-Arnold. "If we don't win a lot of silverware over the next few years then something has gone massively wrong because with this manager... with the way that we've been playing, it's incredible and we will keep going and going. That will be rewarded," he added. This is Liverpool's second consecutive Champions League final and their fourth in 14 years, last winning the coveted trophy in 2005. After losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the showpiece event in Kiev last season, Alexander-Arnold said he was not surprised the Anfield side were back in contention to win their sixth European Cup yet again this year. "It has come really soon, but I didn't doubt that it would. This team is good enough to win leagues, to win Champions Leagues. We've shown that across the last two seasons especially and we just need to get over the line now," he added. "I'm sure soon as we get one, we'll be unstoppable and that's the focus for us -- becoming a formidable team that is unbreakable," said Alexander-Arnold.

Silverware is priority for Liverpool, says Alexander-Arnold ahead of Champions League final against Tottenham

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken.

Ajax's improbable European run seemed set to go on all the way to the final as they led 3-2 on aggregate deep in stoppage time in the second leg of the semi-final at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

That was when the ball broke to Lucas in the box and the Brazilian sent a low shot beyond the despairing dive of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to seal their comeback, making it 3-2 to them on the night, 3-3 on aggregate, and taking Mauricio Pochettino's men through on away goals.

The Ajax players slumped to the turf, their fans stunned, as they go out and Spurs advance to face fellow comeback kings Liverpool in an all-English final in Madrid on June 1.

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Leading 1-0 after the first leg, the thrilling young Dutch side appeared to have killed the tie after captain Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech both scored in the first half here.

That left Tottenham needing a comeback to match that of Liverpool against Barcelona the previous night, but in an even shorter amount of time.

A quickfire brace by Lucas early in the second half gave them something to cling to, before he struck the decisive blow, denying Ajax a first final since 1996.

Erik ten Hag's team, who had already eliminated the holders, Real Madrid, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus this season, were applauded by their devastated fans at full-time and must now somehow lift themselves to try to win the Dutch title.

They had been dealt a blow just minutes before kick-off when Brazilian winger David Neres pulled out of their starting line-up after the warm-up, his place taken by the young Dane, Kasper Dolberg.

Whirlwind start

That last-minute switch did not perturb the Dutch club, though. Far from it. Dusan Tadic moved to the left wing, and Ajax set about tearing into their opponents right from the off, just as they had done in the first leg.

They won a corner after Hugo Lloris had stretched to his left to beat away a Tadic shot, and from the delivery that followed from Lasse Schoene, De Ligt rose to head home a fifth-minute opener.

Spurs -- without Harry Kane but with Son Heung-min back after missing the first leg due to suspension -- did threaten an immediate reply as a Son cross hit the near post, but Ajax escaped and came again, a Tadic shot that fizzed just past the far post acting as a prelude for what was to follow in the 35th minute.

This time Tadic, the former Southampton player, cut the ball back for Ziyech, whose first-time shot on his left foot flew into the far corner from a difficult angle.

It was a wonderful goal, and it had surely killed the tie.

The Spurs fans were understandably subdued, and they would not have harboured too much hope in Fernando Llorente as the big striker replaced Victor Wanyama for the second half.

Yet the way Pochettino's side came back out after half-time echoed what Liverpool had done at Anfield 24 hours earlier.

They scored their first in the 55th minute, Lucas combining with Alli and slotting low past Onana.

Four minutes after that Onana made an improbable save from Llorente's effort inside the six-yard box, but the ball came back to Lucas and the Brazilian turned and managed to find a corner.

He wheeled away in celebration, all too aware that Tottenham were now just one goal away from completing the turnaround.

With such tension, Ajax no longer appeared so liberated, but Ziyech twice nearly scored again, grazing the post with a first-time shot and then hitting the same upright in the 79th minute.

Jan Vertonghen hit the bar at the other end, but just when it looked like Ajax would hang on, Lucas delivered the killer blow.

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken.

Lucas Moura's last-gasp strike took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final for the first time in their history on Wednesday, completing his hat-trick and sealing an incredible 3-2 win over Ajax to leave the Dutch side heartbroken. Ajax's improbable European run seemed set to go on all the way to the final as they led 3-2 on aggregate deep in stoppage time in the second leg of the semi-final at the Johan Cruyff Arena. That was when the ball broke to Lucas in the box and the Brazilian sent a low shot beyond the despairing dive of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to seal their comeback, making it 3-2 to them on the night, 3-3 on aggregate, and taking Mauricio Pochettino's men through on away goals. The Ajax players slumped to the turf, their fans stunned, as they go out and Spurs advance to face fellow comeback kings Liverpool in an all-English final in Madrid on June 1. LATE DRAMA! 🤯🤯🤯 Tottenham will face Liverpool in the #UCLfinal — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2019 × Leading 1-0 after the first leg, the thrilling young Dutch side appeared to have killed the tie after captain Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech both scored in the first half here. That left Tottenham needing a comeback to match that of Liverpool against Barcelona the previous night, but in an even shorter amount of time. A quickfire brace by Lucas early in the second half gave them something to cling to, before he struck the decisive blow, denying Ajax a first final since 1996. Erik ten Hag's team, who had already eliminated the holders, Real Madrid, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus this season, were applauded by their devastated fans at full-time and must now somehow lift themselves to try to win the Dutch title. They had been dealt a blow just minutes before kick-off when Brazilian winger David Neres pulled out of their starting line-up after the warm-up, his place taken by the young Dane, Kasper Dolberg. Whirlwind start That last-minute switch did not perturb the Dutch club, though. Far from it. Dusan Tadic moved to the left wing, and Ajax set about tearing into their opponents right from the off, just as they had done in the first leg. They won a corner after Hugo Lloris had stretched to his left to beat away a Tadic shot, and from the delivery that followed from Lasse Schoene, De Ligt rose to head home a fifth-minute opener. Spurs -- without Harry Kane but with Son Heung-min back after missing the first leg due to suspension -- did threaten an immediate reply as a Son cross hit the near post, but Ajax escaped and came again, a Tadic shot that fizzed just past the far post acting as a prelude for what was to follow in the 35th minute. This time Tadic, the former Southampton player, cut the ball back for Ziyech, whose first-time shot on his left foot flew into the far corner from a difficult angle. It was a wonderful goal, and it had surely killed the tie. The Spurs fans were understandably subdued, and they would not have harboured too much hope in Fernando Llorente as the big striker replaced Victor Wanyama for the second half. Yet the way Pochettino's side came back out after half-time echoed what Liverpool had done at Anfield 24 hours earlier. They scored their first in the 55th minute, Lucas combining with Alli and slotting low past Onana. Four minutes after that Onana made an improbable save from Llorente's effort inside the six-yard box, but the ball came back to Lucas and the Brazilian turned and managed to find a corner. He wheeled away in celebration, all too aware that Tottenham were now just one goal away from completing the turnaround. With such tension, Ajax no longer appeared so liberated, but Ziyech twice nearly scored again, grazing the post with a first-time shot and then hitting the same upright in the 79th minute. Jan Vertonghen hit the bar at the other end, but just when it looked like Ajax would hang on, Lucas delivered the killer blow.

Last-gasp Lucas Moura winner sends Tottenham into Champions League final

Tottenham Hotspur had two men sent off and failed to make sure of a Premier League top-four finish after slipping to a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

With Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United -- Tottenham's rivals for third and fourth -- not in action until Sunday, a win for Spurs on the south coast would have sealed a top-four finish and qualification for next season's Champions League.

They dominated early on in the sunshine at the Vitality, but found Premier League debutant goalkeeper Mark Travers in inspired form for the hosts as the 19-year-old made a string of fine saves.

Tottenham's task was made all the more difficult two minutes before the interval when forward Son Heung-min was sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma and halftime substitute Juan Foyth lasted 125 seconds before seeing red for a lunging tackle.

Bournemouth struggled to make their numerical advantage count until Nathan Ake climbed highest to meet a corner and head a dramatic winner in the 90th minute.

Spurs, who trail Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 going into their Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday, stayed third, two points clear of Chelsea and four ahead of Arsenal with the top-four race set to go to the final day of the season.

"The first 40 minutes we played well and created chances but didn't score," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. "Then we know football can be cruel, they scored in the last minute.

"We need to move on. I will respect the decision of the referee (on the red cards)."

Travers, the first teenage goalkeeper to start a Premier League game since Joe Hart in 2006, produced a string of fine saves to deny Spurs an early goal.

A moment of madness from Son earned him a straight red card for shoving Lerma to the floor right in front of referee Craig Pawson.

Pawson was called into action again as he brandished the red card at Foyth for a dangerous lunge on Jack Simpson.

Spurs, though, looked comfortable in defence before poor marking at a corner allowed Ake to power home a header and send Tottenham to their 13th league defeat of the season.

"It's important to do well against the top teams," Ake said. "I think we want to do this more and it's good we’ve done that today."

Tottenham Hotspur had two men sent off and failed to make sure of a Premier League top-four finish after slipping to a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur had two men sent off and failed to make sure of a Premier League top-four finish after slipping to a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. With Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United -- Tottenham's rivals for third and fourth -- not in action until Sunday, a win for Spurs on the south coast would have sealed a top-four finish and qualification for next season's Champions League. They dominated early on in the sunshine at the Vitality, but found Premier League debutant goalkeeper Mark Travers in inspired form for the hosts as the 19-year-old made a string of fine saves. Tottenham's task was made all the more difficult two minutes before the interval when forward Son Heung-min was sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma and halftime substitute Juan Foyth lasted 125 seconds before seeing red for a lunging tackle. Bournemouth struggled to make their numerical advantage count until Nathan Ake climbed highest to meet a corner and head a dramatic winner in the 90th minute. Spurs, who trail Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 going into their Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday, stayed third, two points clear of Chelsea and four ahead of Arsenal with the top-four race set to go to the final day of the season. "The first 40 minutes we played well and created chances but didn't score," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. "Then we know football can be cruel, they scored in the last minute. "We need to move on. I will respect the decision of the referee (on the red cards)." Travers, the first teenage goalkeeper to start a Premier League game since Joe Hart in 2006, produced a string of fine saves to deny Spurs an early goal. A moment of madness from Son earned him a straight red card for shoving Lerma to the floor right in front of referee Craig Pawson. Pawson was called into action again as he brandished the red card at Foyth for a dangerous lunge on Jack Simpson. Spurs, though, looked comfortable in defence before poor marking at a corner allowed Ake to power home a header and send Tottenham to their 13th league defeat of the season. "It's important to do well against the top teams," Ake said. "I think we want to do this more and it's good we’ve done that today."

Bournemouth defeat nine-man Tottenham Hotspur 1-0

Major takeaways from Tottenham 0-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League semi-final first leg

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years.

Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal.

Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target.

Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side.

As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss.

"The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said.

"But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight."

Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood.

"We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said.

"We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam."

Too Good

Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football.

Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game.

Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris.

There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated.

Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts.

Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross.

The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime.

Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances.

But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser.

Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday. Erik ten Hag's youthful Ajax side, featuring several players polished in the Dutch club's famed academy, were too energetic for a laboured Spurs team who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes of their first European Cup semi-final for 57 years. Such was Ajax's domination in the early stages that they could already have virtually sealed a place in the final -- but they had to be content with Van de Beek's 15th-minute goal. Tottenham badly missed injured striker Harry Kane and the suspended Son Heung-min and managed only one shot on target. Had David Neres's shot not bounced back off the base of the post late on it would have been an even more calamitous night for Mauricio Pochettino's struggling side. As it stands they will go to Amsterdam next week with a glimmer of hope, even if only one club have ever reached the final by overturning a first-leg home loss. "The away goal was the most important. Unfortunately, Neres hit the upright. If that had gone in, it would have been even better," Ajax's 19-year-old skipper Matthijs de Ligt said. "But we must be satisfied with the 1-0 score. It was a tough battle but we were fortunately very sharp tonight." Christian Eriksen, one of four former Ajax players in Tottenham's team, summed up the home mood. "We were under-par, we didn't play our best at all. In the first 20 minutes, we were ball-watchers. We need to change it up a lot for the next game," the Dane said. "We're lucky they hit the post and hopefully we can turn things around in Amsterdam." Too Good Ajax have already proved too good for Real Madrid and Juventus in the competition this season and were streets ahead of Spurs in the first half on a perfect night for football. Tottenham were chasing shadows and fell behind after a quarter of an hour when Ajax sliced through the home defence with their quick-passing game. Hakim Ziyech threaded the ball through to Van de Beek and the midfielder calmly placed his shot past keeper Hugo Lloris. There was a suspicion of offside but unlike in Tottenham's epic quarter-final win over Manchester City, when Raheem Sterling's stoppage-time goal was ruled out, VAR could not save the London side this time as the Ajax fans celebrated. Van de Beek should have made it 2-0 from Dusan Tadic's pass as Ajax dominated and when Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the 39th minute after a clash of heads with teammate and fellow former Ajax player Toby Alderweireld, it seemed nothing was going right for the hosts. Tottenham's 34-year-old striker Fernando Llorente did his best to lead a blunt attack with little service, but the Spaniard headed wide from Kieran Trippier's cross. The introduction of midfield powerhouse Sissoko injected some much-needed energy into a flagging Tottenham side and he fizzed a shot wide from Llorente's knockdown before halftime. Spurs enjoyed their best spell early in the second period as they switched to a more direct approach and Dele Alli had a couple of half chances. But Ajax showed they can defend as well as attack and rarely looked stretched as the hosts huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Tottenham were vulnerable to the counter, however, and Ajax came close to doubling the lead, and leaving Spurs with a near-impossible task in the second leg, after 78 minutes when Tadic linked up with Neres whose side-footed shot struck the post.

Champions League: Ajax edge Tottenham in semi-final first leg

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was at fault as Ajax closed in on a first Champions League final for 23 years thanks to Donny van de Beek's early goal to win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ajax-edge-over-tottenham-in-semi-final-first-leg-214888">first leg of their semi-final 1-0</a> on Tuesday.

Van de Beek's opener on 15 minutes was just reward for the Dutch side's first-half dominance as Tottenham badly missed the presence of the injured Harry Kane and suspended Son Heung-min.

Tottenham improved after the break despite another injury blow as Jan Vertonghen had to be helped down the tunnel after a sickening head knock, but lacked the inspiration needed to get back on level terms without their two top scorers.

"Watching now of course I can accept it was a mistake the shape we used. But there were not too many options," said Pochettino.

"I am not happy, but our lack of energy from the beginning made our game difficult. We were a little sloppy."

Ajax had shown they are not fazed on the road despite the tender age of many of their squad by shocking Real Madrid and Juventus away to reach the last four and started confidently.

Hakim Ziyech's through ball picked out midfielder Van de Beek who took his time to leave Hugo Lloris prone before slotting into the bottom corner.

"I think it was an amazing evening, an amazing result," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.

"In the beginning we very strong, we were completely dominating the game and we made a fantastic goal."

Lloris kept his side in the game 10 minutes later from another Van de Beek effort as Ajax threatened to run riot.

"The way we conceded the goal was so painful, I think we were so poor in this action," added Pochettino.

"They showed more energy than us, but I think after 30 minutes we started to equalise the game."

Spurs miss Kane and Son

On top of Kane and Son, Spurs were shorn of the injured Erik Lamela and Harry Winks and lost another key player when Vertonghen came off worst as he contested a high ball with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and teammate Toby Alderweireld.

The Belgian was patched up and briefly returned to the field before having to be helped down the tunnel leading to questions over why the Spurs medical staff allowed him to continue.

"I wasn't involved," insisted Pochettino. "It is the doctors' decision.

"I think (the health of the player) is so important, the protocol is there and our medical staff follow the protocol."

Despite that latest blow, the hosts reacted well to end the half on top with Vertonghen's replacement Moussa Sissoko driving a long-range effort wide.

Pochettino's half-time pep talk had the desired effect as Spurs dug deep into their energy reserves to raise the tempo and intensity of their display after the break.

Yet, the quality needed in the final third to get back on level terms was missing without Kane and Son.

"We arrived in the last third but we didn't find a way to create clear chances," continued Pochettino.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Always we missed the last pass or shot."

Ajax did not make the most of their chances on the break to kill the tie off, but were unfortunate when David Neres's effort back across Lloris left the French captain helpless only for the ball to rebound back off the post.

"We could have kept the ball more and played calmer and that creates opportunities," said Ten Hag.

"With for instance Neres that he didn't score that was such a pity. Nevertheless winning 1-0 in Tottenham is an amazing result.

"We know we can do a lot better next week to finish it off."

Son will be back for the trip to Amsterdam next Wednesday and Spurs will hope the South Korean can repeat his double away to Manchester City in the last eight, but Ajax are in pole position for a final against Barcelona or Liverpool come June 1 in Madrid.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was at fault as Ajax closed in on a first Champions League final for 23 years thanks to Donny van de Beek's early goal to win the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 on Tuesday.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was at fault as Ajax closed in on a first Champions League final for 23 years thanks to Donny van de Beek's early goal to win the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 on Tuesday. Van de Beek's opener on 15 minutes was just reward for the Dutch side's first-half dominance as Tottenham badly missed the presence of the injured Harry Kane and suspended Son Heung-min. Tottenham improved after the break despite another injury blow as Jan Vertonghen had to be helped down the tunnel after a sickening head knock, but lacked the inspiration needed to get back on level terms without their two top scorers. "Watching now of course I can accept it was a mistake the shape we used. But there were not too many options," said Pochettino. "I am not happy, but our lack of energy from the beginning made our game difficult. We were a little sloppy." Ajax had shown they are not fazed on the road despite the tender age of many of their squad by shocking Real Madrid and Juventus away to reach the last four and started confidently. Hakim Ziyech's through ball picked out midfielder Van de Beek who took his time to leave Hugo Lloris prone before slotting into the bottom corner. "I think it was an amazing evening, an amazing result," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. "In the beginning we very strong, we were completely dominating the game and we made a fantastic goal." Lloris kept his side in the game 10 minutes later from another Van de Beek effort as Ajax threatened to run riot. "The way we conceded the goal was so painful, I think we were so poor in this action," added Pochettino. "They showed more energy than us, but I think after 30 minutes we started to equalise the game." Spurs miss Kane and Son On top of Kane and Son, Spurs were shorn of the injured Erik Lamela and Harry Winks and lost another key player when Vertonghen came off worst as he contested a high ball with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and teammate Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian was patched up and briefly returned to the field before having to be helped down the tunnel leading to questions over why the Spurs medical staff allowed him to continue. "I wasn't involved," insisted Pochettino. "It is the doctors' decision. "I think (the health of the player) is so important, the protocol is there and our medical staff follow the protocol." Despite that latest blow, the hosts reacted well to end the half on top with Vertonghen's replacement Moussa Sissoko driving a long-range effort wide. Pochettino's half-time pep talk had the desired effect as Spurs dug deep into their energy reserves to raise the tempo and intensity of their display after the break. Yet, the quality needed in the final third to get back on level terms was missing without Kane and Son. "We arrived in the last third but we didn't find a way to create clear chances," continued Pochettino. "Always we missed the last pass or shot." Ajax did not make the most of their chances on the break to kill the tie off, but were unfortunate when David Neres's effort back across Lloris left the French captain helpless only for the ball to rebound back off the post. "We could have kept the ball more and played calmer and that creates opportunities," said Ten Hag. "With for instance Neres that he didn't score that was such a pity. Nevertheless winning 1-0 in Tottenham is an amazing result. "We know we can do a lot better next week to finish it off." Son will be back for the trip to Amsterdam next Wednesday and Spurs will hope the South Korean can repeat his double away to Manchester City in the last eight, but Ajax are in pole position for a final against Barcelona or Liverpool come June 1 in Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino accepts blame for 'sloppy' Spurs after 0-1 defeat to Ajax

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