The figure of Harry Kane loomed large over Tottenham Hotspur’s superb victory over Manchester City to such an extent that it firmly focused the minds of almost 60,000 fans filling this magnificent arena.
Manchester City’s supporters fired the opening salvo in the public battle for Kane’s heart and mind – as well as taunting their Spurs counterparts – within seconds of the game starting with loud chants of “Harry Kane, he wants to be blue”.
The tables were brutally turned as City’s performance sank without trace, leaving Spurs supporters to deliver a retort of their own in the direction of the wanted man.
They left it just late enough to feel confident that victory was theirs before singing: “Are you watching Harry Kane?”
He was. And saw Spurs, under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, give a performance that hints at promise ahead, whether that is with or without Kane.
Ironically, it was Guardiola who once referred to Spurs as “the Harry Kane team”. This, with delicious timing and a touch of irony, proved they are much more than that.
Kane may not have been playing but still cast a shadow over this pulsating opening Premier League encounter deservedly settled in Spurs’ favour by Son Heung-min’s second-half goal.
The story will continue and it may just be that events here at a vibrant Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could have prompted the next chapter in this story.
Guardiola and Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners will be contemplating whether they can win another title without a recognised striker, even after the £100m acquisition of Jack Grealish.
