Harry Kane: Tottenham can thrive under Nuno Espirito Santo with or without striker

[Animous]

The figure of Harry Kane loomed large over Tottenham Hotspur's superb victory over Manchester City to such an extent that it firmly focused the minds of almost 60,000 fans filling Spurs' magnificent arena.

Manchester City's supporters fired the opening salvo in the public battle for Kane's heart and mind - as well as taunting their Spurs counterparts - within seconds of the game starting, with loud chants of "Harry Kane, he wants to be blue".

The tables were brutally turned as City's performance sank without trace, leaving Spurs supporters to deliver a retort of their own in the direction of the wanted man.

They left it just late enough to feel confident victory was theirs before singing: "Are you watching Harry Kane?"

He was. And he saw Spurs, under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, give a performance that hints at promise ahead, whether that is with or without Kane.

Ironically, it was Guardiola who once referred to Spurs as "the Harry Kane team". This, with delicious timing and a touch of irony, proved they are much more than that.

Kane may not have been playing but he still cast a shadow over this pulsating opening Premier League encounter which was deservedly settled in Spurs' favour by Son Heung-min's second-half goal.

The Kane saga will continue and it may just be that events here at a vibrant Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could have prompted the next chapter in the story.

Report: Son strike gives Spurs win over City

Since the start of last season, Son Heung-min is one of only four Premier League players to have been directly involved in 40 or more goals across all competitions. Harry Kane is one of the others

Guardiola and Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners will be contemplating whether they can win another title without a recognised striker, even after the £100m acquisition of Jack Grealish.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to be determined to fight off City interest as the clock ticks down to the close of the transfer window. But will City feel they are so acutely in need of Kane after this punchless show that they offer a sum that will make Levy blink?

There was enough on show from Spurs to suggest all hope will not be lost even in a post-Kane era - especially with their brilliant match-winner Son just tied to a new long-term contract.

Nuno's new side played with such passion and quality in their 1-0 win that the Spurs support were able to loudly remind the 28-year-old England captain they regard as "one of their own" just what he might be risking by leaving.

Tottenham say Kane was not considered for selection for the match as he recovers from his Euro 2020 exertions with England followed by a holiday.

Interest will remain in the story until he plays again, or leaves - but the manner in which Spurs performed without him may have eased concerns among those who fear his departure would be a hammer blow to the club's aspirations.

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