LONDON (AFP) – Harry Kane said becoming Tottenham’s all-time record scorer was a “magical moment” as his 267th goal for the club sealed a 1-0 win against Manchester City that severely damaged the champions’ bid to retain the Premier League title.
Kane’s historic first-half strike at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium took him past Jimmy Greaves into sole possession of the hallowed record. Greaves had held the milestone since 1970 before Kane moved level with him in his previous appearance against Fulham on January 23.
Kane’s landmark moment also made him only the third player to score 200 Premier League goals after Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208).
“It is hard to put into words. It is just a magical moment. I was so desperate to do it with a win as well,” Kane said.
“To do it in front of the home fans was a moment I will never forget.”
It has been an unforgettable period for Kane, who drew level with Rooney as England’s joint record scorer on 53 goals when he netted against France at the World Cup.
For Kane to be alongside such a legendary player is a tribute to his predatory instincts and his perseverance.
“When I started playing, it was never in my imagination to score 200 Premier League goals. To be there now is just exciting,” Kane said.
“Jimmy Greaves is a complete hero, one of the best strikers to play the game. To overtake him is a huge moment.”
The 29-year-old’s first Tottenham goal came back in 2011 against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League.
If that was a low-key way to start an incredible career, Kane’s record strike carried far more significance.
Arsenal’s shock 1-0 defeat at struggling Everton on Saturday had given City renewed hope they could overhaul the leaders.
But instead Kane’s 19th goal in all competitions this season leaves second-placed City trailing five points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand and host Pep Guardiola’s men in a crucial clash on February 15.
“We started really well, but after we made a mistake they punished us,” Guardiola said.
“We are not in the position to think about being champions.”
Without boss Antonio Conte after emergency surgery to remove his gallbladder, Tottenham were led by his assistant Cristian Stellini and this result lifted the recuperating Italian’s spirits.
Tottenham’s win moved them within one point of fourth-placed Newcastle as they chase Champions League qualification.
“I spoke to Antonio on the phone just now and he said congratulations to the team and especially Harry,” Stellini said.
“Harry, in his DNA, he has football. He is a ‘GOAT’ in this league, in this sport. He is a great example.”
It took Kane just 15 minutes to make history as Rodri’s careless pass on the edge of the City area allowed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to rob Manuel Akanji.
Hojbjerg slipped his pass to Kane and, with immortality in his sights, the striker guided a slightly scuffed low shot past Ederson.
