Harry Kane was left out of the squad as Son Heung-Min’s strike saw Tottenham kick off the Nuno Espirito Santo era with a superb 1-0 victory at home to champions Manchester City.
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The England captain has been the subject of transfer interest from Pep Guardiola’s Citizens throughout the summer and was conspicuous by his absence in a hard-fought encounter.
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Kane only returned to training on Friday and the official line was that he wasn’t even fit enough to feature on the bench.
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It initially looked like the Lilywhites would rue his exclusion as they struggled to make the most of some excellent first-half counter-attacks until Son conjured up a moment of magic when he cut inside to rifle home on the break on 55 minutes.
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The visitors had dominated for much of the opening period and made a fast-paced start with Jack Grealish looking dynamic and dangerous early on in his Premier League bow for City.
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Fernandinho and Riyad Mahrez both went close for the champions while at the other end Lucas Moura had a shot blocked on the line.
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However, City lacked urgency following the interval and showed just why they are in the market for a striker as they struggled to test Hugo Lloris. Spurs were always a threat on the counter and could have won more handsomely but Steven Bergwijn fizzed a glorious chance into the side netting.
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Man City will now aim to bounce back at home to Premier League newcomers Norwich next Saturday. Spurs have a Europa Conference League qualifying play off at Pacos de Ferreira on Thursday before Nuno visits his old club Wolves on Sunday.