Christian Eriksen struck twice as Tottenham Hotspur battled to secure a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
After huffing and puffing in first 45 minutes, Spurs broke their hosts’ resistance seven minutes after the restart. Mousa Dembele intercepted a pass in midfield and set up Dele Alli, who bode his time before squaring for Eriksen to finish beyond Jack Butland.
Five minutes later Stoke were level after a mistake from Hugo Lloris. The Frenchman – at fault for Chelsea’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge last weekend – watched agape as his clearance was charged down by Mame Biram Diouf, who regained his composure after taking a blow to the stomach and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Alas, it didn’t last long. Spurs had their victory with just over half an hour remaining when Eriksen’s free-kick missed everybody and flew in.
After some initial confusion about whether Harry Kane had got a touch, the Dane was eventually awarded his second of the game. (Kane is claiming it, though – watch this space.)
In other Premier League results:
Watford 1-2 Burnley
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Huddersfield Town
Leicester City 1-2 Newcastle United
West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Swansea City
Bournemouth 2-2 Crystal Palace