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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Harry Kane 'too clever' for Man City as Antonio Conte executes his game plan to perfection

Harry Kane was 'too clever' for Manchester City's defenders on Saturday evening, that's the view of Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer as he hailed the striker's performance at the Etihad Stadium.

The Tottenham talisman grabbed a brace for his side as they beat City 3-2 in a thrilling match.

Riyad Mahrez had equalised for the hosts in stoppage time from the penalty spot but Kane managed to rise above Kyle Walker at the back stick to stun the Premier League champions.

Analysing his performance on the programme, Shearer could not speak highly enough of the striker Pep Guardiola missed out on signing in the summer.

The Newcastle United legend said: "That is one of the best all-round centre-forward performances I have seen all season, anywhere.

"Intelligence, aggression, goals, assists - he was just far, far too good for [Aymeric] Laporte and [Ruben] Dias, it is not very often we say that.

"It had absolutely everything, he was just too clever for them.

"His first time pass [for Spurs' opening goal] was absolutely sensational. Nobody went on him all day. His touch was great and his turn was brilliant.

"It was just incredible, everything he did was magnificent."

Ian Wright then went on to explain how Antonio Conte managed to stifle City over the course of the 90 minutes.

"He [Conte] denied those spaces where they like to play and where Manchester City like to attack you," he added.

"That is between the centre-half and the right-back.

"They got their guys in those holes and were very disciplined in not moving out of them, forcing Manchester City wide and they were very comfortable with that.

"Man City like to play their passes in that area but Tottenham, like Harry Kane, were ready for it. They broke it up, swarmed them and kept them out."

Manchester City return to action in the Premier League next weekend when they travel to Everton.

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