Harry Kane is aware of how important it is for Tottenham to match Manchester City and Liverpool early on if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.
Last year’s top two swept aside their opponents to begin the new campaign: Pep Guardiola’s side hammering West Ham 5-0 and Jurgen Klopp’s Reds breezing past Norwich 4-1.
Kane’s late show on Saturday, a brace in the closing stages clinching a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa 3-1, means Spurs matched their two main rivals in the league, with the England striker aware of the challenge that faces them.
“We kept up with them for a while last year but they blew ahead after January,” Kane said. “We have to make sure we get off to a good start.
“Liverpool set the standard on Friday night and City before us, so it’s important that we stay in touch as long as we can.
“We have full belief that we can go all the way but there’s a long road ahead and we’ve got to be fully focused.”
The 26-year-old has an opportunity to build even more belief next weekend with the trip to champions Manchester City, with his first goals at the new stadium in four attempts releasing some pressure.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while,” he said. “I missed a few games towards the back end of last year and had the summer to think about what that would be like, so it was nice to do it and help the team to get a victory.
“I had four weeks off, the most I’ve had off in a few years now. I’ve had a good pre-season, been here from the start, worked with the team and everyone’s feeling good.
“We’ve still got work to do, I’ve still got work to do in terms of fitness and things like that, but playing games will only help.
“I feel in a good place and hopefully I can continue doing what we’ve done.”
It was the introduction off the bench of Christian Eriksen that changed the game against Villa, who led through John McGinn’s goal before Tanguy Ndombele equalised for Spurs.
The Dane’s future is up in the air as he will not sign a new contract and could leave the club before the end of the European transfer window on September 2.
But Kane hopes he sticks around as long as possible.
“Obviously I’ve been playing with Chris now for five or six years and we all know the qualities he has: the assists, the passes, the goals,” he said.
“Whether he starts or is on the bench, the most important thing from all of our points of view is that he gives everything for the team.
“Obviously there’s been speculation about his future but as long as he’s training hard and playing as hard as he can when he’s here, that’s all we can ask for. What will be will be but we’re happy to have him.
“That’s out of my hands. From our point of view as players, we do it on the pitch. We commit to the club and do as much as we can and whatever happens outside of our control, happens.”
PA Sport also contributed to this report
