Vincent Janssen can build on promising Tottenham display as Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela reap the rewards

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James Olley22 September 2016

There won’t be a rush to bet the farm on Vincent Janssen ending the season as English football’s top scorer but Tottenham’s easy win over Gillingham gives him a platform on which to establish himself.

Although the 22-year-old sought to deny his wait for a first Spurs goal had played on his mind, the fist-pump which greeted his 51st-minute penalty hitting the back of the net suggested otherwise after an evening of mixed fortunes for the man about to take centre stage in Harry Kane’s absence.

Tottenham were utterly dominant against their League One opponents and should have already been ahead by the time Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark with a sumptuous 25-yard strike.

Janssen, understandably, is still finding his feet. The Dutchman trotted back to help defend one of Ryan Jackson’s dangerous long throws after 15 minutes before Mauricio Pochettino screamed at him from outside the technical area, furiously waving for him to get back up the pitch as the team’s outlet and focal point. Pochettino stood in disbelief a few minutes later as Janssen headed wide after Kieran Trippier’s cross found him unmarked six yards out.

As the ball sailed towards Tottenham’s No9, Pochettino stood arms outstretched in anticipation, only to slump and look up at the sky as the ball skimmed off Janssen’s head and wide.

The former AZ Alkmaar forward was displaying another more effective side of his game, however.

He regularly showed good strength to hold off Deji Oshilaja and intelligence in bringing others into play; Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Josh Onomah all benefited from his unselfish play on the edge of the box to unleash efforts at goal. It was this contribution that led to Spurs fans reacting with encouraging applause when Janssen wasted another good chance in the box five minutes before the interval, collecting Lamela’s pass before dragging a shot just wide.

The Spurs boss screamed at him, furiously waving for him to get back up the pitch as the team’s outlet

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“I think that it was important for him to feel the love from the supporters,” said Pochettino and Janssen was able to relax six minutes after the restart once Oshilaja fouled Trippier in the box and Eriksen, who was on a hat-trick, allowed him a clear chance to open his account.

“I had a conversation with Chris and he told me I could take it, so I have to thank him for that,” said Janssen. “Erik also asked me and I said I was going to take it. It was normal — you discuss it with the players and I thought it was my chance, so I took it.

“The team spirit is good. Everybody feels confident and good for each other. I was happy he gave me the ball and I could score my first goal.”

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Janssen will, of course, require time to develop a greater understanding with his team-mates but Eriksen and Lamela are capable of creating chances for him on a regular basis on this form.

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With Heung-Min Son in fine fettle following his impressive outing against Sunderland last weekend and Dele Alli also ready to return, Pochettino can be confident the supporting cast will perform their roles against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

It is up to Janssen to build on a promising night here to assume the responsibility Kane has carried almost continuously for the last two-and-a-half years.

Spurs will not enjoy the same level of dominance in tougher assignments to come but they could barely have done more here to suggest that life without Kane does not automatically have to create worrying uncertainty.

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