Tottenham bolstered their top four Premier League hopes with a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Goals from Cristian Romero and Harry Kane left Antonio Conte’s side three points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal, although that margin will widen if the Gunners avoid defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.
Romero opened his account with Tottenham in the 37th minute, when he led a Dejan Kulusevski attempt on Robert Sánchez.
Kane doubled the visitors’ lead and sealed the points 12 minutes after the break; he became the Premier League’s all-time top scorer when he scored his 95th goal in 139 appearances.
Seeking to end a five game losing streak, Brighton almost gave their opponents the lead within five minutes.
After pulling a heavy ball out of his penalty area, Sanchez’s shot was canceled out by Kane. Despite an empty target to aim for, the England captain was only able to get away from a tight angle.
The visitors had over 56% possession in the first half and proved their superiority eight minutes before halftime.
After patient preparation, Romero Kulusevski’s first low shot passed Sánchez for his first Tottenham goal.
Kulusevski had a great chance to double the lead by converting a loose header from Shane Duffy soon after, but Sánchez soon found himself trying to hold off the Juventus mercenary.
Tottenham scored their second after a quick 57th-minute counterattack. Rodrigo Bentancur’s through ball freed Kane, who fired a straight shot.
Sánchez prevented Sergio Reguilón from extending the lead but the visitors managed to hold on to their first win at the Amex Stadium since September 2018.
Which means? Brighton scores by six
Tottenham got back on track and recorded their sixth defeat in nine Premier League games.
However, their opponents suffered six straight league defeats for the first time since February 2006.
The Seagulls have also failed to score in 30 Premier League home games; more than any other team since their rise to the top of England in 2017.
Busy Bentancur
The Juventus tenant put in an impressive performance in midfield.
Bentancur led the game with all-time game highs in touches (93), assists (79) and last third innings (11).
He also produced the most assists in the final third (11), with no player making more interceptions (three) with Leandro Trossard.
Kane Delivery
Kane took another step forward when he overtook Wayne Rooney to take the absolute lead as the Premier League’s all-time top scorer.
That came from one of six shots, more than any other player, as well as having more touches from the penalty area (seven) and more dribbling (five).
The England captain also featured in more duels than anyone else (14) and was the most fouled throughout the game (three).
What to follow?
Tottenham will look to capitalize on their momentum by hosting West Ham in what promises to be an intriguing London classic on Sunday.