5 Tottenham lessons from the West Ham loss

2. Harry Kane needs some rest

The idea that Tottenham is too dependent on just Harry Kane at striker is hardly new. The new part of the story is that Kane looked absolutely worn out in the second half against the Hammers.

It’s now reasonable to question whether or not Kane has enough gas in the tank to pull the Tottenham attack across the line. The unfortunate reality is that he’ll continue to be trotted out in the starting 11 due to a lack of other quality options.

The only possible break for Kane will be if Tottenham can get a significant lead in some of its matches down the stretch. Pochettino could then bring on Chadli or starlet Josh Onomah in relief of Kane to buy his legs some extra juice. It won’t have the same effect as an entire match off, but it’ll have to do for Spurs.

It was clear to see in the West Ham match that the English striker just didn’t have the same zip in his legs. He couldn’t find the quickness to burst into open space behind defenders nor could he use his frame to effectively hold up play against the Hammers’ back line. He simply wasn’t the world-class striker we’re used to seeing at White Hart Lane. Harry Kane just needs some rest. He is human, after all.

Next: 1. Christian Eriksen is a world-class star