Tottenham: Kane was ‘LUCKY to not be sent off’ says pundits
England captain Kane returned from ankle injury last weekend against Burnley, netting in the side’s 2-1 loss.
Kane then started again on Wednesday night, but his impact was harnessed in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, during which he petulantly lost his personal battle with centre-back David Luiz.
Back-to-back defeats for the first time since September have left Tottenham trailing Liverpool and Manchester City by nine and eight points, respectively.
Now almost certainly out of the title race, Mauricio Pochettino’s side head into Saturday’s north London derby against Arsenal at Wembley knowing a loss will cut the deficit over their bitter rivals to one point.
Related articles
I was shocked. I don't know if he's still carrying his injury or what.
Kane has scored more Premier League goals in the fixture than any other player to have played for one club (8), but he will have to recover from his performance on Wednesday night to better that record, according to Merson.
“Tottenham were really bad on Wednesday, poor,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“If you'd have just come over to visit England and gone to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham, and you went to see Harry Kane because he's supposed to be one of the best in the world, you wouldn't believe it.
“I’ve seen people have bad games, but he didn't do anything in the entire game. Nothing.
Related articles
“I was shocked. I don't know if he's still carrying his injury or what.
“I don't think Tottenham are playing well, and the pressure is off Arsenal going into this.”
The Gunners won the return fixture 4-2 at The Emirates, but Merson reckons the home side will have enough vigour to earn a point.
“Tottenham have to draw this game otherwise they're going to be pulled into the top four battle,” he said, predicting a 2-2 draw.