Tottenham striker Harry Kane compensated for two surprising misses with a late winner to guide his team to a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday to stay firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
The England striker got on the end of Christian Eriksen's deep corner to nod over Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and into the net in the 88th minute, just when it looked like the injury-depleted hosts would hold on for an unlikely point.
Earlier, Kane had a shot saved from the edge of the six-yard box after a defensive mistake in the 10th minute, then side-footed wide in the 54th with the goal at his mercy after meeting Eriksen's lofted pass.
In the final 10 minutes, Serge Aurier mis-hit a shot from even closer in and Kane screwed an effort wide before finally getting his 24th league goal of the season, moving one clear of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. It was his 150th goal for Tottenham in all competitions.
Palace, whose injury crisis deepened when defender James Tomkins limped off late on, defended stoutly but couldn't hang on for a point that would have lifted the team a point clear of the relegation zone. They are only out of the bottom three on goal difference.
Tottenham were two points behind second-place Liverpool, with fellow top-four rivals Manchester United and Chelsea meeting later on Sunday.
(With AP inputs)
