• Hugo Lloris - 6: Rarely called into action as Spurs’ back four did well to contain the threat of Zagreb. EPA
    Hugo Lloris - 6: Rarely called into action as Spurs’ back four did well to contain the threat of Zagreb. EPA
  • Serge Aurier - 6: After an early wobble that resulted in Zagreb threatening Spurs’ goal in the opening minutes, Aurier settled and did a good job of getting to the byline and delivering dangerous crosses. Reuters
    Serge Aurier - 6: After an early wobble that resulted in Zagreb threatening Spurs’ goal in the opening minutes, Aurier settled and did a good job of getting to the byline and delivering dangerous crosses. Reuters
  • Davinson Sanchez - 7: Most worrying moment came in the opening minute when Orsic threatened straight from kick-off, a situation that was dealt with well. Booked for a challenge to stop an attack that had potential, but otherwise did his job well. Reuters
    Davinson Sanchez - 7: Most worrying moment came in the opening minute when Orsic threatened straight from kick-off, a situation that was dealt with well. Booked for a challenge to stop an attack that had potential, but otherwise did his job well. Reuters
  • Eric Dier - 7: Drew blood in the opening half after cutting his nose in a challenge but soldiered on. Closed down Zagreb’s players well on the rare occasion they did look to threaten. Getty
    Eric Dier - 7: Drew blood in the opening half after cutting his nose in a challenge but soldiered on. Closed down Zagreb’s players well on the rare occasion they did look to threaten. Getty
  • Ben Davies - 6: Broke down Zagreb attacks well. Best moment came a quarter-of-an-hour from time when he made a crucial tackle to stop a potentially dangerous attack. AFP
    Ben Davies - 6: Broke down Zagreb attacks well. Best moment came a quarter-of-an-hour from time when he made a crucial tackle to stop a potentially dangerous attack. AFP
  • Moussa Sissoko - 8: Good passing out to both flanks that opened up channels in the middle for both Kane and Son. Patrolled all areas of the pitch well and was brilliant in his link-up play with Ndombele. Getty
    Moussa Sissoko - 8: Good passing out to both flanks that opened up channels in the middle for both Kane and Son. Patrolled all areas of the pitch well and was brilliant in his link-up play with Ndombele. Getty
  • Tanguy Ndombele - 8: Protected the ball well, which perhaps attracted physical challenges, and was unlucky not to win a penalty that bizarrely wasn’t referred to VAR. Reuters
    Tanguy Ndombele - 8: Protected the ball well, which perhaps attracted physical challenges, and was unlucky not to win a penalty that bizarrely wasn’t referred to VAR. Reuters
  • Erik Lamela - 7: Wonderful play in the build up to Spurs’ first goal where he shimmied past several defenders before striking the far post. Did his best to make things happen without much reward. PA
    Erik Lamela - 7: Wonderful play in the build up to Spurs’ first goal where he shimmied past several defenders before striking the far post. Did his best to make things happen without much reward. PA
  • Dele Alli - 6: Not his finest game. Looked a little rusty, though was involved in the build-up to one of Kane’s goals – albeit in a small capacity. Taken off as part of a triple change just after the hour mark. EPA
    Dele Alli - 6: Not his finest game. Looked a little rusty, though was involved in the build-up to one of Kane’s goals – albeit in a small capacity. Taken off as part of a triple change just after the hour mark. EPA
  • Son Heung-min - 8: Outstanding link-up play with Kane. The pair were constantly on the same wavelength. Taken off early, presumably to be rested. Reuters
    Son Heung-min - 8: Outstanding link-up play with Kane. The pair were constantly on the same wavelength. Taken off early, presumably to be rested. Reuters
  • Harry Kane - 9: More goals to add to his Spurs tally. Started and finished the move that led to the first goal. Another clinical finish for his second. Linked up well with Son, a very polished performance. Getty
    Harry Kane - 9: More goals to add to his Spurs tally. Started and finished the move that led to the first goal. Another clinical finish for his second. Linked up well with Son, a very polished performance. Getty
  • SUBS: Gareth Bale - (On for Lamela 65') 7: Made immediate impact when almost his first touch set-up good chance for Moura. A dangerous dipping free-kick could’ve seen him on the scoresheet too. Reuters
    SUBS: Gareth Bale - (On for Lamela 65') 7: Made immediate impact when almost his first touch set-up good chance for Moura. A dangerous dipping free-kick could’ve seen him on the scoresheet too. Reuters
  • Lucas Moura - (On for Alli 65') 6: Not the impact in front of goal he would have liked. Getty
    Lucas Moura - (On for Alli 65') 6: Not the impact in front of goal he would have liked. Getty
  • Steven Bergwijn - (On for Son, 65) 6: Could have scored with his first touch of the game when his volley from Bale was well saved. Getty
    Steven Bergwijn - (On for Son, 65) 6: Could have scored with his first touch of the game when his volley from Bale was well saved. Getty
  • Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - (On for Ndombele, 72) 5: Sloppy play that could have caused Spurs a headache on different day. AP.
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - (On for Ndombele, 72) 5: Sloppy play that could have caused Spurs a headache on different day. AP.
  • Carlos Vinicius - (On for Kane, 84). N/A. Reuters
    Carlos Vinicius - (On for Kane, 84). N/A. Reuters
  • TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Dominik Livakovic - 5: Clearances were a little unorthodox at times as he chose to punch and kick balls clear when it was easier to catch. Not at fault for the goals. EPA
    TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Dominik Livakovic - 5: Clearances were a little unorthodox at times as he chose to punch and kick balls clear when it was easier to catch. Not at fault for the goals. EPA
  • Stefan Ristovski - 5: Was up against it for the game’s first hour when tasked with the challenge of keeping Son at bay on the left. Struggled to keep up with the Korean. EPA
    Stefan Ristovski - 5: Was up against it for the game’s first hour when tasked with the challenge of keeping Son at bay on the left. Struggled to keep up with the Korean. EPA
  • Rasmus Lauritsen - 5: Played with passion and was clearly frustrated when Spurs took the lead. Tried to rally his teammates but Zagreb ultimately came up against a well-drilled home side. AP
    Rasmus Lauritsen - 5: Played with passion and was clearly frustrated when Spurs took the lead. Tried to rally his teammates but Zagreb ultimately came up against a well-drilled home side. AP
  • Kevin Theophile-Catherine - 5: Some unconvincing clearances that invited Spurs to launch another attack following initial chances. Struggled with Spurs’ pressure throughout the 90 minutes. PA
    Kevin Theophile-Catherine - 5: Some unconvincing clearances that invited Spurs to launch another attack following initial chances. Struggled with Spurs’ pressure throughout the 90 minutes. PA
  • Marin Leovac - 6: Used physical strength to his advantage by making Tottenham’s players work hard to keep pace with him. PA
    Marin Leovac - 6: Used physical strength to his advantage by making Tottenham’s players work hard to keep pace with him. PA
  • Lovro Majer - 5: Not afraid to get stuck in and take the game to Spurs. But almost paid the ultimate price when committing a challenge on Ndombele in the penalty area that should have been reviewed by VAR. Played on the edge but it might well have prevented a goal or two. AP
    Lovro Majer - 5: Not afraid to get stuck in and take the game to Spurs. But almost paid the ultimate price when committing a challenge on Ndombele in the penalty area that should have been reviewed by VAR. Played on the edge but it might well have prevented a goal or two. AP
  • Kristijan Jakic - 5: Strong player in midfield and used his size to try and bully Spurs’ midfielders off the ball, though this rarely worked. Looked like he might not even start the game after picking up a knock in the warm-up. Reuters
    Kristijan Jakic - 5: Strong player in midfield and used his size to try and bully Spurs’ midfielders off the ball, though this rarely worked. Looked like he might not even start the game after picking up a knock in the warm-up. Reuters
  • Arijan Ademi - 6: His exit late on will be of a concern to not only the club but also the Croatian national team and appeared in great discomfort when taken off. Otherwise, a committed performance, perhaps lacked a bit of support from those around him. AP
    Arijan Ademi - 6: His exit late on will be of a concern to not only the club but also the Croatian national team and appeared in great discomfort when taken off. Otherwise, a committed performance, perhaps lacked a bit of support from those around him. AP
  • Luka Ivanusec - 5: A player capable of threatening goal, but struggled to do so here. Best chance of the game came midway through the opening half when he ballooned a shot over Lloris’ crossbar. Getty
    Luka Ivanusec - 5: A player capable of threatening goal, but struggled to do so here. Best chance of the game came midway through the opening half when he ballooned a shot over Lloris’ crossbar. Getty
  • Bruno Petkovic - 5: Could have been Zagreb’s hero, but fluffed a pair of half chances. One dipping first-half shot that had little power and was comfortably saved, before a better chance in the second half following Ivanusec’s great cross was struck wide. Reuters
    Bruno Petkovic - 5: Could have been Zagreb’s hero, but fluffed a pair of half chances. One dipping first-half shot that had little power and was comfortably saved, before a better chance in the second half following Ivanusec’s great cross was struck wide. Reuters
  • Mislav Orsic - 5: Quiet evening. Rarely threatened Spurs’ goal. AFP
    Mislav Orsic - 5: Quiet evening. Rarely threatened Spurs’ goal. AFP
  • SUBS: Lirim Kastrati - (On for Majer 64') 6: Good experience for the youngster to get on but didn't make the impact he would have liked. AFP
    SUBS: Lirim Kastrati - (On for Majer 64') 6: Good experience for the youngster to get on but didn't make the impact he would have liked. AFP
  • Iyayi Atiemwen - (On for Orsic 64') 6: Tough ask to play natural game when you have the threat of Bale and Kane to deal with. Getty
    Iyayi Atiemwen - (On for Orsic 64') 6: Tough ask to play natural game when you have the threat of Bale and Kane to deal with. Getty
  • Mario Gavranovic - (On for Petkovic 78') N/A. Bartol Franjic - (On for Ademi 90') N/A. Reuters
    Mario Gavranovic - (On for Petkovic 78') N/A. Bartol Franjic - (On for Ademi 90') N/A. Reuters

Football

Jose Mourinho says Harry Kane will start for Tottenham Hotspur against Dinamo Zagreb in Europa League

Portuguese also urges England manager Southgate not to overplay striker during next round of international matches

Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly
Greater Manchester, England

March 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

If Tottenham are to return to the Champions League, their route may lead through Zagreb. Defeat in Sunday's North London derby left them six points adrift of the Premier League's top four with 10 games to go and when their last 10 matches have produced just 12 points.

So the Europa League assumes a greater significance. Jose Mourinho is already without one of his potent double act, with the hamstring injury Son Heung-min sustained against Arsenal sidelining the South Korean, and is taking no chances as he guaranteed he will select the other.

Spurs take a 2-0 lead to Croatia, thanks to a Harry Kane brace, but Dinamo Zagreb should expect a reunion with Tottenham's 26-goal top scorer. It represents bad news for the underused Carlos Vinicius but Mourinho said: "Kane is going to play. The game is open and it's an important game so he plays."

Son represents a different issue. Mourinho said he is not sure when the winger will be fit to feature, and Tottenham visit Aston Villa on Sunday. Yet if he does not play then, his manager suggested he should not join up with his country for their friendly against Japan.

"If a player is injured, it doesn't matter if it's a friendly or an official match,” he said. “If we get to next week and he is injured and we can prove that to the Korean football association then what can they do. If he can't play for the club, he can't play for his country."

If it offers the possibility of one club-versus-country row, Mourinho is seeking to avoid another. Before the October international break, he sought to ensure that Gareth Southgate did not over-play Kane.

England face another triple-header and Mourinho hopes Kane’s minutes will be rationed without him needing to intervene. “I believe [Southgate] has a good relationship with Harry,” he said. “I hope that in between them, without me being in the middle saying something, they can find some compromise to protect the player a little bit."

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Arsenal 2 Spurs 1: player ratings

  • ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno - 6: Not overly worked, but he was lucky not to be caught out when he went wandering in the wrong direction from a Kane free-kick, only to be saved by his post. EPA
    ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno - 6: Not overly worked, but he was lucky not to be caught out when he went wandering in the wrong direction from a Kane free-kick, only to be saved by his post. EPA
  • Cedric Soares - 6: Escaped punishment for a succession of fouls on Moura. Hit the post shortly after Lamela’s opener. Seems to have found a niche as the draft excluder in the defensive wall. Getty
    Cedric Soares - 6: Escaped punishment for a succession of fouls on Moura. Hit the post shortly after Lamela’s opener. Seems to have found a niche as the draft excluder in the defensive wall. Getty
  • David Luiz - 7: Cajoled his side when their nerves showed with the finishing line in sight, and was central to a strong defensive effort. AP
    David Luiz - 7: Cajoled his side when their nerves showed with the finishing line in sight, and was central to a strong defensive effort. AP
  • Gabriel – 7. Untroubled for the most part, save for being clattered by Kane. Did bring undue pressure on his side with an errant pass after Spurs had gone down to 10 men, but made a brilliant headed save at the last. Reuters
    Gabriel – 7. Untroubled for the most part, save for being clattered by Kane. Did bring undue pressure on his side with an errant pass after Spurs had gone down to 10 men, but made a brilliant headed save at the last. Reuters
  • Kieran Tierney - 8: Provided the thrust for the hosts’ fast start in unison with Smith Rowe, and took Doherty to the cleaners for Odegaard’s goal. EPA
    Kieran Tierney - 8: Provided the thrust for the hosts’ fast start in unison with Smith Rowe, and took Doherty to the cleaners for Odegaard’s goal. EPA
  • Thomas Partey - 7: Lashed a good shooting opportunity wide early on. His marshalling of Ndombele was a key reason behind the home side’s dominance. Erratic in possession when the game was seemingly won. EPA
    Thomas Partey - 7: Lashed a good shooting opportunity wide early on. His marshalling of Ndombele was a key reason behind the home side’s dominance. Erratic in possession when the game was seemingly won. EPA
  • Granit Xhaka - 6: More assured than he often has been in this fixture in the past. Had the sort of hit he craves with a crunching tackle on Doherty. Yellow carded, as standard. EPA
    Granit Xhaka - 6: More assured than he often has been in this fixture in the past. Had the sort of hit he craves with a crunching tackle on Doherty. Yellow carded, as standard. EPA
  • Bukayo Saka - 7: Bright enough during his side’s first-half dominance, but had to make way for Nicolas Pepe at half time. Getty
    Bukayo Saka - 7: Bright enough during his side’s first-half dominance, but had to make way for Nicolas Pepe at half time. Getty
  • Martin Odegaard - 7: Marked his first North London Derby with a goal, albeit via a deflection off Alderweireld. Added plenty of composure to his side’s use of the ball. Reuters
    Martin Odegaard - 7: Marked his first North London Derby with a goal, albeit via a deflection off Alderweireld. Added plenty of composure to his side’s use of the ball. Reuters
  • Emile Smith Rowe - 9: Unlucky not to cap the home side’s fine start with a goal when he wrapped a shot against the bar, but he featured in everything that was good for Arsenal. PA
    Emile Smith Rowe - 9: Unlucky not to cap the home side’s fine start with a goal when he wrapped a shot against the bar, but he featured in everything that was good for Arsenal. PA
  • Alexandre Lacazette - 6: Shanked a chance after being well teed-up by Smith Rowe. Should have been sharper after he was set up by Saka, too. Lucky to win the penalty from which he scored, given he had already bungled the shot. Reuters
    Alexandre Lacazette - 6: Shanked a chance after being well teed-up by Smith Rowe. Should have been sharper after he was set up by Saka, too. Lucky to win the penalty from which he scored, given he had already bungled the shot. Reuters
  • SUBS: Nicolas Pepe - (On for Saka 46') 7: His incisive through ball found Lacazette the chance from which they won a penalty. He was emboldened thereafter, having initially been quiet after his half-time introduction. PA
    SUBS: Nicolas Pepe - (On for Saka 46') 7: His incisive through ball found Lacazette the chance from which they won a penalty. He was emboldened thereafter, having initially been quiet after his half-time introduction. PA
  • WIllian - (On for Smith Rowe 77') N/A. AFP
    WIllian - (On for Smith Rowe 77') N/A. AFP
  • Mohamed Elneny - (On for Lacazette 88') N/A. Reuters
    Mohamed Elneny - (On for Lacazette 88') N/A. Reuters
  • SPURS RATINGS: Hugo Lloris - 6: Fortunate not to be caught out after he went walkabout while sweeping in the first half. No chance once Odegaard’s shot had been deflected, or with the penalty. Getty
    SPURS RATINGS: Hugo Lloris - 6: Fortunate not to be caught out after he went walkabout while sweeping in the first half. No chance once Odegaard’s shot had been deflected, or with the penalty. Getty
  • Matt Doherty - 3: A nightmare. Overrun by Tierney and Smith Rowe in the opening exchanges. All at sea when Odegaard equalised. Tried to find Lloris with a header but missed. It became cringeworthy. AP
    Matt Doherty - 3: A nightmare. Overrun by Tierney and Smith Rowe in the opening exchanges. All at sea when Odegaard equalised. Tried to find Lloris with a header but missed. It became cringeworthy. AP
  • Davinson Sanchez - 7: A strong presence during the waves of Arsenal attacks early on, particularly via a number of headed clearances. Perhaps unlucky to have been penalised when Lacazette had missed his kick for the penalty. Getty
    Davinson Sanchez - 7: A strong presence during the waves of Arsenal attacks early on, particularly via a number of headed clearances. Perhaps unlucky to have been penalised when Lacazette had missed his kick for the penalty. Getty
  • Toby Alderweireld - 6: Inadvertently deflected Odegaard’s shot past Lloris and Arsenal drew level, and had a tough night in general. Getty
    Toby Alderweireld - 6: Inadvertently deflected Odegaard’s shot past Lloris and Arsenal drew level, and had a tough night in general. Getty
  • Sergio Reguilon - 6: Yellow carded for a lunging challenge on Saka, and lacked the zing that so often provides Spurs with the attacking spark. Getty
    Sergio Reguilon - 6: Yellow carded for a lunging challenge on Saka, and lacked the zing that so often provides Spurs with the attacking spark. Getty
  • Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 5. His frustration at the way Spurs were being overrun manifested itself in a number of fouls. His use of possession was poor, especially when Spurs needed precision while chasing the game. EPA
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 5. His frustration at the way Spurs were being overrun manifested itself in a number of fouls. His use of possession was poor, especially when Spurs needed precision while chasing the game. EPA
  • Tanguy Ndombele - 5: Looked laboured as the home team made all the running at the start of the game. Whenever he did try to advance on the ball he found Partey in his way. PA
    Tanguy Ndombele - 5: Looked laboured as the home team made all the running at the start of the game. Whenever he did try to advance on the ball he found Partey in his way. PA
  • Gareth Bale - 5: Did not see much of the ball, but he could have gone looking for it. It might have been nice if he had helped out Doherty while he was being ambushed. Reuters
    Gareth Bale - 5: Did not see much of the ball, but he could have gone looking for it. It might have been nice if he had helped out Doherty while he was being ambushed. Reuters
  • Lucas Moura - 7: His tenacity dragged Tottenham out of their early funk, and he teamed up well with Lamela. Still charging at the end, when he won a free kick in a dangerous position. Getty
    Lucas Moura - 7: His tenacity dragged Tottenham out of their early funk, and he teamed up well with Lamela. Still charging at the end, when he won a free kick in a dangerous position. Getty
  • Son Heung-min - N/A: Barely saw the ball during Spurs’ tepid start, before limping off in the 19th minute with a hamstring injury. PA
    Son Heung-min - N/A: Barely saw the ball during Spurs’ tepid start, before limping off in the 19th minute with a hamstring injury. PA
  • Harry Kane - 6: This fixture’s most prolific player struggled for any involvement until late, when he had a headed goal chalked off for offside, and struck a post from a free kick. Reuters
    Harry Kane - 6: This fixture’s most prolific player struggled for any involvement until late, when he had a headed goal chalked off for offside, and struck a post from a free kick. Reuters
  • SUBS: Erik Lamela - (On for Son 19') 8: Immediately went looking for work after coming on for Son early on, mainly riling opposition defenders. He ended a 36-game goal drought with an extraordinary strike. Sent off for a second yellow after handing off Tierney in the face. AP
    SUBS: Erik Lamela - (On for Son 19') 8: Immediately went looking for work after coming on for Son early on, mainly riling opposition defenders. He ended a 36-game goal drought with an extraordinary strike. Sent off for a second yellow after handing off Tierney in the face. AP
  • Moussa Sissoko - (On for Bale 57') 6: Brought on for a disconsolate looking Bale and helped Spurs gain some parity in midfield, although that did not prove enough. Reuters
    Moussa Sissoko - (On for Bale 57') 6: Brought on for a disconsolate looking Bale and helped Spurs gain some parity in midfield, although that did not prove enough. Reuters
  • Dele Alli - (On for Ndombele 62') 6: From the time it took him to come on for Ndombele and have a touch of the ball, Spurs had fallen behind; had an air-shot at a delicious cross from Kane. Getty
    Dele Alli - (On for Ndombele 62') 6: From the time it took him to come on for Ndombele and have a touch of the ball, Spurs had fallen behind; had an air-shot at a delicious cross from Kane. Getty

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The Portuguese is the biggest contributor to Kane’s heavy workload, using him three times in Europa League qualifiers, four more in the group stages and 38 times in total this season.

Only Son and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and have made more appearances but neither will feature on Thursday with the Dane suspended. Defender Joe Rodon, who was not named in Spurs’ Europa League squad, is also ineligible but Giovani Lo Celso, who has not played in 2021, is back in contention to add to the attacking options.

“He is a very talented player with very competitive qualities,” Mourinho said. “I don't think he has 90 minutes in his legs but he's looked very confident.”

Spurs will be favourites to reach only their fifth European quarter-final in 29 years. While Dinamo beat Arsenal in 2015, Tottenham have not lost to Croatian opposition since 1984 and have not gone out of Europe after taking a 2-0 first-leg lead since 1963-64. But by selecting Kane, Mourinho is seeking to reduce the risk of history belatedly repeating itself.

Tottenham Hotspur