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Antonio Conte hailed Harry Kane’s “amazing” performance after the England captain played his part in Tottenham’s 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle.
The Spurs boss labelled Kane, who recorded an assist during an influential display, an “example” to his team-mates as Tottenham went fourth in the Premier League.
Spurs scored four goals between the 43rd minute and the 63rd minute on Sunday, responding strongly after going behind to Fabian Schar’s first-half free kick.
Kane turned provider for the hosts’ second goal of the contest when he teed up Matt Doherty, recording his 40th Premier League assist in the process.
Half of those assists have come in the 64 games he has played since the start of last season, with his first 20 coming in 210 appearances.
Speaking to Sky Sports after another demonstration of Kane’s creative prowess, Conte said the 28-year-old’s exploits were “not normal”.
“His performance was amazing,” Conte said. “I said to him at the end of the game that it was a shame he did not score.
“To have this type of player in your team makes you strong. It is important for his team-mates to know Kane is in our team. We know he can score and create.
“First of all, I like the person. We are talking about a talented player, [but] many times, players with great talent do not want to work hard, sometimes they can be lazy.
“He was an example from the first day I arrived here. You can think this is normal but it is not normal. It is a big example to his team-mates and you see his desire to be competitive.”
Alongside his 12 goals, Kane now has six Premier League assists this season, more than any other Spurs player.
Meanwhile, only Liverpool and Manchester City (both 50) have earned more Premier League points than Tottenham (39) since Conte’s arrival in November.
“When you see your team play this way, you enjoy it,” Conte added. “We played a really good game.
“We are in a good moment, the team is growing in every aspect. The work we are doing is paying off.
“A good result is important for the trust in the work we are doing. Sometimes it is hard work, but when you see this, you trust in what you are doing.
“I like to be honest and clear in every moment with my players, I arrived in November and it was difficult to put a target on the season. But now I have had five or six months, to work and bring my idea of football and mentality.
“If players do not want to improve and make themselves reach a different level, it is difficult for the coach. But I must thank my players, from the first day they have shown commitment and desire to improve.”
The rampant victory sent Tottenham into the Premier League’s top four, putting them ahead of rivals Arsenal in the battle for Champions League football on goal difference, ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.
This represents the first time Spurs have ended a day in the Premier League’s top four having played a minimum of 20 league games since they finished fourth in 2018-19, under Mauricio Pochettino.
