Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City both issued timely reminders to Chelsea that the Premier League title race might not be over with impressive victories on Sunday.

After top-six rivals Arsenal and Manchester United dropped points on Saturday, second-placed Tottenham took full advantage as Harry Kane struck twice in a 3-2 home win against Everton.

That left Tottenham seven points behind Chelsea who face West Ham United on Monday, while City are a further point behind Tottenham with a game in hand after goals by Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane eased them to a 2-0 win at Sunderland who stay rooted to the bottom of the table.

City are three points above fourth-placed Liverpool while Arsenal have slipped out of the top-four after their 3-1 loss at Anfield on Saturday. United are sixth, three points worse off than Liverpool, after drawing with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Tottenham, as they did for most of last season when they pursued title winners Leicester City into the closing weeks, look like they are ready to go the distance again.

Kane opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a 25-metre rocket shot and doubled his side&#39;s advantage early in the second half -- his 19th league goal of the season and 14th strike in 12 games in all competitions.

Romelu Lukaku, vying for the Premier League&#39;s Golden Boot with Kane, struck his 18th of the season with 10 minutes left before Dele Alli struck for Spurs in stoppage time and Enner Valencia replied immediately for the visitors.

Tottenham have now won nine consecutive home Premier League games for the first time while Everton&#39;s nine-match unbeaten run in the league came to an end.

&quot;It was a fantastic performance even if we are a little disappointed to concede the goals,&quot; Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. &quot;We dominated the game and played with a lot of confidence.

&quot;It&#39;s important because now comes the most important period in the season.&quot;

City, who have the chance to move second when they play at home to Stoke City on Wednesday, were in third gear at times against Sunderland but had far too much class.

It took them until three minutes before the break to edge ahead. A sweeping move saw David Silva release Raheem Sterling whose cross was dinked home by Aguero.

Silva was involved in City&#39;s second -- a perfectly-weighted pass allowing Sane to smash a shot past Jordan Pickford.

City have kept five successive away clean sheets in all competitions and have 10 away league wins, although Guardiola was still not totally satisfied.

&quot;It was a good victory,&quot; he said. &quot;But we were passing the ball between ourselves in the last 25 minutes.

&quot;I don&#39;t like to defend a result and be near our box. It is okay if you&#39;re 3-0 or 4-0 up but not 2-0.&quot;

(Reuters)

Both won on Sunday, are now respectively 7 & 8 points behind the league leaders

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City both issued timely reminders to Chelsea that the Premier League title race might not be over with impressive victories on Sunday. After top-six rivals Arsenal and Manchester United dropped points on Saturday, second-placed Tottenham took full advantage as Harry Kane struck twice in a 3-2 home win against Everton. That left Tottenham seven points behind Chelsea who face West Ham United on Monday, while City are a further point behind Tottenham with a game in hand after goals by Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane eased them to a 2-0 win at Sunderland who stay rooted to the bottom of the table. City are three points above fourth-placed Liverpool while Arsenal have slipped out of the top-four after their 3-1 loss at Anfield on Saturday. United are sixth, three points worse off than Liverpool, after drawing with Bournemouth on Saturday. Tottenham, as they did for most of last season when they pursued title winners Leicester City into the closing weeks, look like they are ready to go the distance again. Kane opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a 25-metre rocket shot and doubled his side's advantage early in the second half -- his 19th league goal of the season and 14th strike in 12 games in all competitions. Romelu Lukaku, vying for the Premier League's Golden Boot with Kane, struck his 18th of the season with 10 minutes left before Dele Alli struck for Spurs in stoppage time and Enner Valencia replied immediately for the visitors. Tottenham have now won nine consecutive home Premier League games for the first time while Everton's nine-match unbeaten run in the league came to an end. "It was a fantastic performance even if we are a little disappointed to concede the goals," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. "We dominated the game and played with a lot of confidence. "It's important because now comes the most important period in the season." City, who have the chance to move second when they play at home to Stoke City on Wednesday, were in third gear at times against Sunderland but had far too much class. It took them until three minutes before the break to edge ahead. A sweeping move saw David Silva release Raheem Sterling whose cross was dinked home by Aguero. Silva was involved in City's second -- a perfectly-weighted pass allowing Sane to smash a shot past Jordan Pickford. City have kept five successive away clean sheets in all competitions and have 10 away league wins, although Guardiola was still not totally satisfied. "It was a good victory," he said. "But we were passing the ball between ourselves in the last 25 minutes. "I don't like to defend a result and be near our box. It is okay if you're 3-0 or 4-0 up but not 2-0." (Reuters)

Tottenham, Man City keep up chase of Chelsea

Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City were denied a morale-boosting Premier League victory as Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Blunders by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne to give City a deserved 2-0 lead, only for Dele Alli and substitute Son Heung-Min to grab a point for the visitors.

The game&#39;s main talking point occurred shortly before Son&#39;s 77th-minute leveller when Kyle Walker got away with a push on City forward Raheem Sterling inside the Spurs box as he took aim at Lloris.

Guardiola reacted furiously and having seen his team humiliated 4-0 at Everton on their previous outing he will know this was a huge missed opportunity for his misfiring team.

City, for whom &pound;27 million ($33 million, 31 million euros) new signing Gabriel Jesus made his debut, remain fifth and will fall 12 points off the pace if leaders Chelsea beat Hull City on Sunday.

While Spurs remain second, the point earned at the Etihad Stadium came at a cost for Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side, who had been chasing a seventh successive league win.

Toby Alderweireld was forced off by injury in the second half, meaning he will potentially join fellow Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen on the sidelines.

City&#39;s defeat at Everton was the heaviest league reverse of Guardiola&#39;s stellar coaching career, but his response was to go on the attack.

Centre-back John Stones was dropped again, while De Bruyne and David Silva joined Yaya Toure in an attacking midfield trio that enabled City to pierce holes in Spurs&#39; rearguard right from kick-off.

After sights of goal for Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, Lloris turned a low Silva shot behind and then stood motionless as Zabaleta&#39;s drive from De Bruyne&#39;s corner skidded inches wide.

With Spurs incapable of playing through City&#39;s high press, Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier were both booked inside the first 13 minutes.

Turning point

By the time De Bruyne rolled a cross-shot across goal and wide after Aguero had robbed Dier, Pochettino had seen enough, moving Dier into midfield and swapping his 3-4-2-1 for a more stable 4-3-2-1.

Still City came, with Sane heading wide and Lloris twice thwarting Aguero, springing to his right to catch a header and then getting down at his near post to parry a left-foot drive.

Pochettino made another change at the interval, sending on Son for Wimmer, but within nine minutes of kick-off his side were 2-0 down as Lloris unwittingly took centre stage.

Flying out to meet De Bruyne&#39;s 50-yard pass on the edge of his box, Lloris contrived to head the ball against Sane, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.

If fortune deserted Lloris on that occasion, he only had himself to blame five minutes later as his failure to gather Sterling&#39;s cross from the right allowed De Bruyne to bundle in City&#39;s second.

It was no more than the hosts deserved, but just four minutes later Spurs hit back, Alli heading in Walker&#39;s superb right-wing cross for his eighth goal in seven games.

Danny Rose had to produce a brilliant last-gasp tackle to prevent Sterling restoring City&#39;s two-goal cushion before Alderweireld limped off holding the back of his right thigh.

Then came the game&#39;s turning point.

Walker pushed Sterling as he raced through, meaning the England forward could only dink a tame shot straight at Lloris, and moments later Harry Kane&#39;s flicked lay-off was swept home by Son.

Nineteen-year-old Brazil starlet Jesus made his entrance with seven minutes to go, but there would be no late miracle as he headed narrowly over and saw a tap-in ruled out for offside.

(AFP)

Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were denied a morale-boosting Premier League victory as Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday. Blunders by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne to give City a deserved 2-0 lead, only for Dele Alli and substitute Son Heung-Min to grab a point for the visitors. The game's main talking point occurred shortly before Son's 77th-minute leveller when Kyle Walker got away with a push on City forward Raheem Sterling inside the Spurs box as he took aim at Lloris. Guardiola reacted furiously and having seen his team humiliated 4-0 at Everton on their previous outing he will know this was a huge missed opportunity for his misfiring team. City, for whom £27 million ($33 million, 31 million euros) new signing Gabriel Jesus made his debut, remain fifth and will fall 12 points off the pace if leaders Chelsea beat Hull City on Sunday. While Spurs remain second, the point earned at the Etihad Stadium came at a cost for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who had been chasing a seventh successive league win. Toby Alderweireld was forced off by injury in the second half, meaning he will potentially join fellow Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen on the sidelines. City's defeat at Everton was the heaviest league reverse of Guardiola's stellar coaching career, but his response was to go on the attack. Centre-back John Stones was dropped again, while De Bruyne and David Silva joined Yaya Toure in an attacking midfield trio that enabled City to pierce holes in Spurs' rearguard right from kick-off. After sights of goal for Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, Lloris turned a low Silva shot behind and then stood motionless as Zabaleta's drive from De Bruyne's corner skidded inches wide. With Spurs incapable of playing through City's high press, Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier were both booked inside the first 13 minutes. Turning point By the time De Bruyne rolled a cross-shot across goal and wide after Aguero had robbed Dier, Pochettino had seen enough, moving Dier into midfield and swapping his 3-4-2-1 for a more stable 4-3-2-1. Still City came, with Sane heading wide and Lloris twice thwarting Aguero, springing to his right to catch a header and then getting down at his near post to parry a left-foot drive. Pochettino made another change at the interval, sending on Son for Wimmer, but within nine minutes of kick-off his side were 2-0 down as Lloris unwittingly took centre stage. Flying out to meet De Bruyne's 50-yard pass on the edge of his box, Lloris contrived to head the ball against Sane, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net. If fortune deserted Lloris on that occasion, he only had himself to blame five minutes later as his failure to gather Sterling's cross from the right allowed De Bruyne to bundle in City's second. It was no more than the hosts deserved, but just four minutes later Spurs hit back, Alli heading in Walker's superb right-wing cross for his eighth goal in seven games. Danny Rose had to produce a brilliant last-gasp tackle to prevent Sterling restoring City's two-goal cushion before Alderweireld limped off holding the back of his right thigh. Then came the game's turning point. Walker pushed Sterling as he raced through, meaning the England forward could only dink a tame shot straight at Lloris, and moments later Harry Kane's flicked lay-off was swept home by Son. Nineteen-year-old Brazil starlet Jesus made his entrance with seven minutes to go, but there would be no late miracle as he headed narrowly over and saw a tap-in ruled out for offside. (AFP)

Tottenham hit back to deny Manchester City 3 points

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shrugged off a record-wrecking 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, insisting his players must dust themselves down and restart their Premier League title quest.

Two Dele Alli headers meant Chelsea&#39;s hopes of winning a 14th consecutive Premier League game -- which would have been a record in a single campaign -- foundered at White Hart Lane.

Italian Conte, however, said the defeat was very different to the 3-0 reverse they suffered at Arsenal on Sept. 24, since when they have been unstoppable.

&quot;We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy,&quot; Conte told reporters.

&quot;But this is a different defeat to the one in September because today we lost the game, but showed that we were a team.

&quot;Against Arsenal, we weren&#39;t a team, today we were.&quot;

Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012 and while five points is still a healthy margin over nearest rivals Liverpool, Conte insists the title race is now wide open.

Tottenham moved up to third, seven points behind, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference while Arsenal are a point further adrift and Manchester United two further back.

&quot;Today we lost against a good team, a really strong team and don&#39;t forget Tottenham fought last season for the title,&quot; Conte said. &quot;They are improving, and they are one of the six teams that can fight to win the title.

&quot;We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve. A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it&#39;s important to restart.&quot;

Conte&#39;s side had boasted the meanest defence in the league until Wednesday&#39;s defeat so the nature of both Tottenham&#39;s goals -- carbon-copy crosses and headers -- was a surprise.

Tottenham have now conceded the least goals -- 14 in 20 games.

&quot;It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment,&quot; he said.

&quot;At the end of the first half and then in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen.

&quot;My priority is to win again. The training doesn&#39;t change if you win or you lose. We have to continue to work.&quot;

(Reuters)

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Tottenham, but are still top of the league

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shrugged off a record-wrecking 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, insisting his players must dust themselves down and restart their Premier League title quest. Two Dele Alli headers meant Chelsea's hopes of winning a 14th consecutive Premier League game -- which would have been a record in a single campaign -- foundered at White Hart Lane. Italian Conte, however, said the defeat was very different to the 3-0 reverse they suffered at Arsenal on Sept. 24, since when they have been unstoppable. "We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy," Conte told reporters. "But this is a different defeat to the one in September because today we lost the game, but showed that we were a team. "Against Arsenal, we weren't a team, today we were." Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012 and while five points is still a healthy margin over nearest rivals Liverpool, Conte insists the title race is now wide open. Tottenham moved up to third, seven points behind, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference while Arsenal are a point further adrift and Manchester United two further back. "Today we lost against a good team, a really strong team and don't forget Tottenham fought last season for the title," Conte said. "They are improving, and they are one of the six teams that can fight to win the title. "We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve. A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it's important to restart." Conte's side had boasted the meanest defence in the league until Wednesday's defeat so the nature of both Tottenham's goals -- carbon-copy crosses and headers -- was a surprise. Tottenham have now conceded the least goals -- 14 in 20 games. "It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment," he said. "At the end of the first half and then in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen. "My priority is to win again. The training doesn't change if you win or you lose. We have to continue to work." (Reuters)

Premier League: Restart title quest, Conte tells players after loss

Arsenal&#39;s Olivier Giroud produced a piece of New Year&#39;s Day magic to keep Arsenal in sight of Premier League leaders Chelsea while Harry Kane&#39;s double bolstered Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s ambitions as London&#39;s triple assault on the title continues.

Frenchman Giroud connected with Alexis Sanchez&#39;s cross with a scorpion-like backheeled volley 17 minutes into his side&#39;s derby against Crystal Palace while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a second-half header.

Arsenal had started the game outside the top four after Tottenham&#39;s 4-1 rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side into third place in the table.

Kane scored Tottenham&#39;s first two goals, both from assists by right back Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made the points safe after some woeful Watford defending shortly before the break. Alli grabbed his second immediately after the interval.

At the halfway point of the season Chelsea, who on Saturday equalled Arsenal&#39;s 2001-02 record of 13 consecutive wins in the same Premier League campaign, have 49 points from 19 games.

Liverpool have 43 while Arsenal have 40, one more than Tottenham who are above Manchester City on goal difference. Manchester United complete the top six below which there is a yawning nine-point gap to seventh.

The Holiday fixtures continue thick-and-fast over the coming days with Chelsea aiming to set a new record of 14 consecutive wins when they visit in-form Tottenham on Wednesday.

Liverpool are at Sunderland on Monday when Manchester City host Burnley, while Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Whatever happens in the weeks ahead though, few goals are likely to be replayed as much as Giroud&#39;s stunning opener.

Having played a neat flick early in a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud rumbled forward into the area. Sanchez&#39;s cross was not the best, falling a little behind the Frenchman, but he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled forward, connecting with his left heel.

The ball soared past diving Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced down and in off the underside of the crossbar.

&quot;I tried to take it on the back heel from behind me and I had some luck,&quot; said Giroud, who has struggled to earn a starting berth this season.

&quot;It was about luck, I didn&#39;t have good balance but it was a great feeling,&quot; added Giroud whose goal was similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan&#39;s for Manchester United on Boxing Day but from further out.

&quot;It was nice for the me and the team and was my best one.&quot;

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: &quot;I have been a bit spoiled over the year by the exceptional quality of the players I&#39;ve had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal.

&quot;Olly is very good in front of goal, but I&#39;ve never seen this kind of goal from him.&quot;

Iwobi&#39;s header provoked a brief but largely ineffectual flurry from Palace and former England manager Sam Allardyce still awaits his first win since replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat.

Palace remain two points above the bottom three.

Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59.

He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish having been played in by Trippier and then showed his poaching instinct to connect with the fullback&#39;s inviting cross.

Alli punished Younes Kaboul&#39;s weak clearance and made it 4-0 as Tottenham ran riot in the rain.

Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford&#39;s late consolation.

&quot;The first half was one of the best we&#39;ve played this season,&quot; said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino whose side go into the Chelsea game buoyed by four successive wins.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud produced a piece of New Year's Day magic to keep Arsenal in sight of Premier League leaders Chelsea while Harry Kane's double bolstered Tottenham Hotspur's ambitions as London's triple assault on the title continues. Frenchman Giroud connected with Alexis Sanchez's cross with a scorpion-like backheeled volley 17 minutes into his side's derby against Crystal Palace while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a second-half header. Arsenal had started the game outside the top four after Tottenham's 4-1 rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted Mauricio Pochettino's side into third place in the table. Kane scored Tottenham's first two goals, both from assists by right back Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made the points safe after some woeful Watford defending shortly before the break. Alli grabbed his second immediately after the interval. At the halfway point of the season Chelsea, who on Saturday equalled Arsenal's 2001-02 record of 13 consecutive wins in the same Premier League campaign, have 49 points from 19 games. Liverpool have 43 while Arsenal have 40, one more than Tottenham who are above Manchester City on goal difference. Manchester United complete the top six below which there is a yawning nine-point gap to seventh. The Holiday fixtures continue thick-and-fast over the coming days with Chelsea aiming to set a new record of 14 consecutive wins when they visit in-form Tottenham on Wednesday. Liverpool are at Sunderland on Monday when Manchester City host Burnley, while Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Tuesday. Whatever happens in the weeks ahead though, few goals are likely to be replayed as much as Giroud's stunning opener. Having played a neat flick early in a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud rumbled forward into the area. Sanchez's cross was not the best, falling a little behind the Frenchman, but he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled forward, connecting with his left heel. The ball soared past diving Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced down and in off the underside of the crossbar. "I tried to take it on the back heel from behind me and I had some luck," said Giroud, who has struggled to earn a starting berth this season. "It was about luck, I didn't have good balance but it was a great feeling," added Giroud whose goal was similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan's for Manchester United on Boxing Day but from further out. "It was nice for the me and the team and was my best one." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: "I have been a bit spoiled over the year by the exceptional quality of the players I've had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal. "Olly is very good in front of goal, but I've never seen this kind of goal from him." Iwobi's header provoked a brief but largely ineffectual flurry from Palace and former England manager Sam Allardyce still awaits his first win since replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat. Palace remain two points above the bottom three. Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish having been played in by Trippier and then showed his poaching instinct to connect with the fullback's inviting cross. Alli punished Younes Kaboul's weak clearance and made it 4-0 as Tottenham ran riot in the rain. Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford's late consolation. "The first half was one of the best we've played this season," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino whose side go into the Chelsea game buoyed by four successive wins. (Reuters)

Giroud gem inspires Arsenal, Kane hits double for Spurs

Harry Kane made a goal-scoring return from injury to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw in an absorbing north London derby and foil Arsenal&#39;s attempts to move top of the Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday.

Requiring a first league win over Tottenham in five attempts to climb above pre-match leaders Chelsea, Arsenal were given a helping hand in the midday kickoff by Kevin Wimmer&#39;s own goal just before halftime.

But Kane, out since mid-September with an ankle injury, levelled six minutes after the break from the penalty spot. Kane wasted two other glorious chances while both sides hit the woodwork in an intense derby.

Theo Walcott thundered a shot against the crossbar in the first half while Tottenham, who finished stronger, nearly won it late on when Christian Eriksen&#39;s curling free kick into the area evaded everyone and bounced off the post.

Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea and two behind Liverpool, who surged past everyone with a 6-1 thrashing of Watford later.

Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League but have drawn their last four games and stay fifth with 21 points.

&quot;I&#39;m very pleased with the performance,&quot; Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side improved greatly from the midweek Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, said. &quot;They created some chances and we created chances, maybe the draw was a fair result. The second half we started very well and it was a very open game. It&#39;s been a tough month so to be 11 matches unbeaten is very positive for us.&quot;

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side had been &quot;flat&quot; in the second half, but thought Tottenham&#39;s penalty was harsh. &quot;From where I sit it didn&#39;t look dangerous to score or a deliberate foul,&quot; he said. &quot;(Victor) Wanyama was lucky to stay on the pitch, after three or four fouls, an elbow on Walcott.&quot;

The visitors, who were without midfielder Dele Alli after he injured a knee in training, made the better start. Kane headed Eriksen&#39;s cross wide from in front of goal as Arsenal initially seemed wrong-footed by Tottenham&#39;s formation which featured three centre backs in Wimmer, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen with full backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose attacking at every opportunity.

Arsenal began to assert themselves though and Alex Iwobi should have scored after a lightning counter-attack but shot tamely straight at Hugo Lloris.

Walcott let fly from 25 yards, but saw his shot cannon off the bar back to Ozil who sliced the rebound over.

Wimmer, playing his first league match of the season, then had a nightmare moment, glancing Ozil&#39;s teasing 42nd minute free kick into his own goal under pressure from Laurent Koscielny.

Kane gave Tottenham&#39;s attack a threat and he made no mistake from the spot after referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Koscielny had ended Mousa Dembele&#39;s driving run illegally.

He has now scored five goals in four north London derbies, and it should have been six when he failed to make proper contact with Danny Rose&#39;s low cross.

Eriksen forced a great save by Cech and while Arsenal pressed for a winner, Spurs finished strongly with substitute Vincent Jansen wasting a late chance to grab victory.

(Reuters)

Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea

Harry Kane made a goal-scoring return from injury to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw in an absorbing north London derby and foil Arsenal's attempts to move top of the Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday. Requiring a first league win over Tottenham in five attempts to climb above pre-match leaders Chelsea, Arsenal were given a helping hand in the midday kickoff by Kevin Wimmer's own goal just before halftime. But Kane, out since mid-September with an ankle injury, levelled six minutes after the break from the penalty spot. Kane wasted two other glorious chances while both sides hit the woodwork in an intense derby. Theo Walcott thundered a shot against the crossbar in the first half while Tottenham, who finished stronger, nearly won it late on when Christian Eriksen's curling free kick into the area evaded everyone and bounced off the post. Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea and two behind Liverpool, who surged past everyone with a 6-1 thrashing of Watford later. Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League but have drawn their last four games and stay fifth with 21 points. "I'm very pleased with the performance," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side improved greatly from the midweek Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, said. "They created some chances and we created chances, maybe the draw was a fair result. The second half we started very well and it was a very open game. It's been a tough month so to be 11 matches unbeaten is very positive for us." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side had been "flat" in the second half, but thought Tottenham's penalty was harsh. "From where I sit it didn't look dangerous to score or a deliberate foul," he said. "(Victor) Wanyama was lucky to stay on the pitch, after three or four fouls, an elbow on Walcott." The visitors, who were without midfielder Dele Alli after he injured a knee in training, made the better start. Kane headed Eriksen's cross wide from in front of goal as Arsenal initially seemed wrong-footed by Tottenham's formation which featured three centre backs in Wimmer, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen with full backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose attacking at every opportunity. Arsenal began to assert themselves though and Alex Iwobi should have scored after a lightning counter-attack but shot tamely straight at Hugo Lloris. Walcott let fly from 25 yards, but saw his shot cannon off the bar back to Ozil who sliced the rebound over. Wimmer, playing his first league match of the season, then had a nightmare moment, glancing Ozil's teasing 42nd minute free kick into his own goal under pressure from Laurent Koscielny. Kane gave Tottenham's attack a threat and he made no mistake from the spot after referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Koscielny had ended Mousa Dembele's driving run illegally. He has now scored five goals in four north London derbies, and it should have been six when he failed to make proper contact with Danny Rose's low cross. Eriksen forced a great save by Cech and while Arsenal pressed for a winner, Spurs finished strongly with substitute Vincent Jansen wasting a late chance to grab victory. (Reuters)

Kane penalty earns Tottenham 1-1 draw at Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home again as Kevin&nbsp;Kampl&#39;s second-half goal gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 victory that put the Bundesliga side on course for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Slovenian international&nbsp;Kampl&#39;s close-range effort after 65 minutes gave Leverkusen a deserved victory &mdash;&nbsp;their first on English soil in 10 attempts &mdash;&nbsp;to move them above Tottenham into second place in Group E.

&nbsp;

Tottenham, now without a win in six matches in all competitions, never settled and there was precious little for the majority of the record 85,512 crowd to get excited about.

&nbsp;

Eric Dier came close to an equaliser when his free kick thumped against the crossbar with eight minutes left but Tottenham left the field to boos after a repeat of their opening 2-1 defeat by Monaco.

&nbsp;

With two matches left, Monaco lead the group on eight points after beating CSKA Moscow 3-0. Leverkusen have six and Tottenham have it all to do with four.

&nbsp;

&quot;If we don&#39;t win in Monaco and then against CSKA it&#39;s goodbye to the Champions League,&quot; Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side face north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, told reporters.

&nbsp;

&quot;Two games at Wembley we have been very poor.&quot;

&nbsp;

Tottenham&#39;s season has hit a wall since an impressive win over Manchester City last month and they began in edgy fashion against a Leverkusen side who sensed their hosts&#39; unease.

&nbsp;

With their White Hart Lane ground affected by building work on a new stadium, Tottenham opted to play their home Champions League games at Wembley. But the grandeur of the venue has not had the desired effect on their form.

&nbsp;

Pochettino looked far from happy as his side continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half.

&nbsp;

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez buzzed around dangerously and should have punished a Kyle Walker error shortly before halftime but his shot was deflected wide.

&nbsp;

Tottenham took half an hour to register a worthwhile effort on goal, Christian Eriksen&#39;s powerful shot beaten away by Bernd Leno.

&nbsp;

Dele Alli did have the ball in the net on the stroke of halftime after substitute Vincent Jansen&#39;s shot was saved by Leno, but Jansen had been penalised for pulling.

&nbsp;

Alli had a strong penalty appeal turned down when tumbling over Leverkusen skipper Omer Toprak&#39;s dangled foot early in the second half and Walker sliced through the Leverkusen defence and fired a shot agonisingly wide.

&nbsp;

Moments later, more shoddy Tottenham defending let in Hernandez whose first shot was blocked and as the ball came back to him he forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save.

&nbsp;

Tottenham failed to heed the warnings, however, and fell behind in the 65th minute. Charles Aranguiz&#39;s shot deflected into the path of&nbsp;Kampl&nbsp;who slotted past Lloris from six yards out.

&nbsp;

Leverkusen cleverly kept Tottenham at arm&#39;s length thereafter although they did enjoy a let off when Dier&#39;s free kick rocked the crossbar and the ball was scrambled clear.

&nbsp;

&quot;We were courageous and bold,&quot; Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, whose side had drawn their previous three matches in the group, said.

&nbsp;

&quot;Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League so that makes it more special.&quot;

&nbsp;

(Reuters)&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home as Leverkusen claimed their first victory on English soil in 10 attempts

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home again as Kevin Kampl's second-half goal gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 victory that put the Bundesliga side on course for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday. Slovenian international Kampl's close-range effort after 65 minutes gave Leverkusen a deserved victory — their first on English soil in 10 attempts — to move them above Tottenham into second place in Group E. Tottenham, now without a win in six matches in all competitions, never settled and there was precious little for the majority of the record 85,512 crowd to get excited about. Eric Dier came close to an equaliser when his free kick thumped against the crossbar with eight minutes left but Tottenham left the field to boos after a repeat of their opening 2-1 defeat by Monaco. With two matches left, Monaco lead the group on eight points after beating CSKA Moscow 3-0. Leverkusen have six and Tottenham have it all to do with four. "If we don't win in Monaco and then against CSKA it's goodbye to the Champions League," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side face north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, told reporters. "Two games at Wembley we have been very poor." Tottenham's season has hit a wall since an impressive win over Manchester City last month and they began in edgy fashion against a Leverkusen side who sensed their hosts' unease. With their White Hart Lane ground affected by building work on a new stadium, Tottenham opted to play their home Champions League games at Wembley. But the grandeur of the venue has not had the desired effect on their form. Pochettino looked far from happy as his side continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half. Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez buzzed around dangerously and should have punished a Kyle Walker error shortly before halftime but his shot was deflected wide. Tottenham took half an hour to register a worthwhile effort on goal, Christian Eriksen's powerful shot beaten away by Bernd Leno. Dele Alli did have the ball in the net on the stroke of halftime after substitute Vincent Jansen's shot was saved by Leno, but Jansen had been penalised for pulling. Alli had a strong penalty appeal turned down when tumbling over Leverkusen skipper Omer Toprak's dangled foot early in the second half and Walker sliced through the Leverkusen defence and fired a shot agonisingly wide. Moments later, more shoddy Tottenham defending let in Hernandez whose first shot was blocked and as the ball came back to him he forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save. Tottenham failed to heed the warnings, however, and fell behind in the 65th minute. Charles Aranguiz's shot deflected into the path of Kampl who slotted past Lloris from six yards out. Leverkusen cleverly kept Tottenham at arm's length thereafter although they did enjoy a let off when Dier's free kick rocked the crossbar and the ball was scrambled clear. "We were courageous and bold," Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, whose side had drawn their previous three matches in the group, said. "Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League so that makes it more special." (Reuters)

Champions League: Kampl's second-half goal gives Leverkusen 1-0 victory at Tottenham

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