Kane scores late double to give Spurs win over Villa

Tottenham’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their third goal - Action Images via Reuters 

Harry Kane got straight into the groove with two late goals as Tottenham Hotspur recovered from an early setback to beat promoted Aston Villa 3-1 at home on Saturday.

Villa, back in the top flight after three seasons away, looked set to mark their return in style as they hung on tenaciously to John McGinn’s ninth-minute opener.

But Tottenham’s record signing Tanguy Ndombele fired home a debut goal in the 73rd minute to break Villa’s resistance.

With Villa visibly tiring captain Jack Grealish conceded possession on the edge of his area in the 86th minute and when the ball fell to Kane he made no mistake.

Kane rubbed salt into Villa’s wounds with a classy finish in the 90th minute as Tottenham, playing their first opening fixture at home for eight seasons, took the points.

Spurs had dominated possession but it was only when playmaker Christian Eriksen, who could still be on the move before the transfer windows close in Spain, Italy and Germany, replaced Harry Winks did Villa really start to creak.

“We came out in the second half with a high tempo, pressed well,” Kane said. “When Tanguy (Ndombele) got his goal it was full throttle until the end. “Thankfully, a couple of chances fell to me.”

Villa signed 12 players for a total of 130 million pounds ($156 million) in the transfer window as they seek to establish themselves back with elite. But it was Scottish striker McGinn, a regular in last season’s side who were promoted via the playoffs, who sparked delirium in the away end.