Harry Kane strike guides Tottenham Hotspur to victory

A strike from Harry Kane has guided Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-0 victory over Everton this afternoon and secured them a place in the Europa League next season.

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The visitors threatened when Brendan Galloway committed an error on the edge of his own box as he gifted the ball to Erik Lamela, but the Argentine's powerful strike was well saved by Tim Howard.

Everton hit the visitors on the counter as a through ball was played behind the Tottenham defence for the run of Kevin Mirallas, who raced clear on goal. Hugo Lloris came out to narrow the angle and managed to make the stop to deny the Belgian.

Spurs took the lead in the 23rd minute when Eric Dier was allowed space and time down the right flank to deliver a dangerous cross to the near post for the run of Kane, who headed the ball past Howard.

In the second half, Everton pressed to get back into the game and Muhamed Besic almost made an instant impact from the bench.

The midfielder picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful drive towards the bottom corner, which went agonisingly past the post.

The Toffees committed more men forward in the final third, but their delivery from wide areas lacked the quality needed to test Lloris.

Spurs were still providing a threat at the other end of the pitch as Nacer Chadli did well to beat the challenge of Seamus Coleman before firing a strike at goal, which was deflected just past the post.

The home side pressed in the dying minutes, but Spurs held out to clinch the three points and finish above Liverpool in fifth.