Seeing Harry Kane return to form was a highlight for Mauricio Pochettino – especially after his decision to rest his main striker in Thursday night's defeat to Anderlecht – as he was rewarded with a hat-trick performance in Tottenham Hotspur's 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.
For Spurs, this win means they remain unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season as Pochettino's side move to within five points of leaders Manchester City.
Kane found his goal-scoring touch for Tottenham as he helped himself to a hat-trick as Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc endured a nightmare afternoon.
Matt Ritchie had fired Bournemouth into a first-minute lead before the hosts’ 35-year-old goalkeeper brought down Kane in the box, with the England striker levelling from the resulting penalty.
Mousa Dembele then put the visitors ahead before Boruc dropped another clanger as he spilt an easy Kane cross that Erik Lamela tucked away.
Kane’s second came from a skillful Christian Eriksen cross and his hat-trick was completed as Boruc again failed to collect an effort and the 22-year-old was on hand to turn home.
“I’m very pleased for Harry,” Pochettino said.
“I never had any doubts about him, but it was very important hat-trick for him. It’s important for him to learn from that period. It happens in football. I’m happy because he’ll become a much better player after such a tough period.”
The Tottenham manager added that while the goals were welcome, Kane’s overall contribution had consistently remained positive for Spurs.
“He will score a lot of goals, but football is not about just scoring. He works very hard for the team. We’re all happy. It’s normal. He’s tired now because he’s run a lot, but the team, the squad, was very happy for him in the changing room.
“We needed that victory and the three points to push us back up the table.”
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe meanwhile refused to blame goalkeeper Boruc for Bournemouth’s hammering.
In addition to the goal-allowing slips, the Poland international had other jittery moments on an afternoon to forget, but Howe said his team as a whole have to take the responsibility for the loss.
“They were self-inflicted, that’s evident,” he said of Tottenham’s goals.
“There won’t be fingers pointed. We take collective responsibility. But there is a need going forward that we can’t keep giving goals away. We’ve given teams goals even in the games we’ve drawn and won.
“Of course, you don’t want to see any of your players criticised. They give their all and have had incredible success. I said to the players afterwards, during the success everyone was saying how good you are. Take no notice. It’s the same when things are going this way.
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