Harry Kane is convinced that Tottenham’s growing confidence can inspire them to victory in Sunday’s North London derby at Arsenal.
Spurs are undefeated in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and again highlighted their potential to reach the division’s top four in Monday’s 3-1 defeat of Aston Villa.
Even if Arsenal’s present team is the strongest they have had for several seasons and they consistently win fixtures between the two, as they most recently did in the Capital One Cup in September, Tottenham’s fortunes are the most promising they have been for several seasons.
And Kane believes that their improving team is now capable of overcoming their rivals.
“We’re playing very well, we’re exciting, we’re a young team and we’ve got a lot of energy, and the wins will just keep giving us that, but there’s still a long way to go so we’ve got to keep trying to learn and improve,” Kane said.
“Anderlecht (on Thursday) is important for us so we’ve got to stay focused on that for now, but of course, everyone’s excited for the North London derby. It’s a game everyone looks forward to, both teams are playing well so it’ll be good to go and try and get a result.
“We made a good statement against Man City (in a recent 4-1 victory) and followed that up pretty well with wins so we face Arsenal on Sunday going for the win, and we’re full of confidence and know we can win.
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“The aim is the top four but there’s still a long way to go. We’ve got to stay consistent throughout the whole season, we can’t just have a good start and fade away.”
Tottenham’s second goalscorer on Monday evening – in front of Roy Hodgson – was the talented Dele Alli, 19, who is expected to be included in the next England squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures with France and Spain.
His swift rise from a Football League player to international recognition is not dissimilar to Kane’s during the past season, and for all that such pressure can be difficult for a young player to handle, the forward believes that his young team-mate has the character to cope.
“He’s a great player and a great lad as well,” Kane said. “He’s very focused, he’s good to have around the dressing room, he’s a bubbly character. We’re delighted for him, he’s come in this season and settled in straight away.
“He’s still young, he’s still got a lot to learn, a long way to go. And yes, I was probably in that position last year so it’s great for him to have me and other players who have been through that to talk to. He’s a mature lad and I’m sure he’ll take it in his stride.
“We have discussions now and then, he watched last season and he wants to go and do the same. He’s a young player with a lot of talent and he just wants to play football, and that’s what’s nice to see.
“He’s been playing very well for us, he came in the last (England) squad and did very well in training and impressed, so he’s got to keep doing what he’s doing. That’s the (England) manager’s choice: all he can keep doing is having nights like he’s had (against Villa), it won’t hurt him.”
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