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Better than Messi and Shearer: Kane hat-trick shatters records as Spurs smash saints

Mark Lawford
Harry Kane wheels awyu to celebrate his hat-trick goal
Harry Kane wheels awyu to celebrate his hat-trick goal

Record-breaking Harry Kane stole the show with a second hat-trick in as many games as Tottenham smashed Southampton 5-2 at Wembley, setting a new record of 39 Premier League goals in a calendar year in the process.

The England star’s treble against Burnley on December 23 moved him level on 36 with Alan Shearer and he never looked as though he was going to struggle with the expectation, beating the record, which had lasted for 22 years, in the 22nd minute as part of an immense performance.

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Kane confirmed his spot in the Premier League history books with one of easiest goals he is ever likely to score, heading in from close range to end Saints’ fairly feeble early resistance.

But there was even more to come, as he doubled his tally for the day just before the interval. It was another simple finish, though it came at the end of a brilliant incisive Spurs move and saw him usurp Lionel Messi to become Europe’s top scorer for 2017.

Although Kane stole the headlines with his display and records, Dele Alli was similarly exceptional and got in on the act the start of the second half, before setting up Son Heung-min for number four.

Sofiane Boufal did pull one back, but Kane completed another record – becoming the first player to score six Premier League hat-tricks in a calendar year – before Dusan Tadic’s late consolation did little to lift Southampton’s festive spirits.

Harry Kane claims the match ball from the ref
Harry Kane claims the match ball from the ref

Key Opta stats

  • Harry Kane has now scored 39 Premier League goals in 36 games in 2017, the most by a player in a single calendar year in the competition. The previous record was held by Alan Shearer who had scored 36 PL goals in 42 appearances in 1995.

  • Kane is the first player in Premier League history to score six hat-tricks in a single calendar year.

  • Kane is also the first player in Premier League history to score consecutive hat-tricks on two separate occasions (also May 2017).

  • Kane has scored eight Premier League hat-tricks, as many as Thierry Henry and Michael Owen – only Alan Shearer (11) and Robbie Fowler (9) have more in the competition.

  • Kane has scored 56 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham and England in 2017 (49 for Tottenham, 7 for England).

  • Only Edinson Cavani (50) and Lionel Messi (50) have scored more club goals in Europe’s big five leagues (all comps) in 2017 than Harry Kane (49).

  • Dele Alli (5) has scored more Premier League goals versus Southampton than against any other opponent.

  • Son Heung-Min has been involved in eight goals in his last six Premier League starts at Wembley, netting five goals whilst providing three assists for his teammates.

  • Spurs are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League games played on Boxing Day (W9 D3), since a 0-2 loss at Portsmouth in 2003.

  • Southampton have lost six of their last seven away Premier League games against Spurs, with their only win coming in May 2016 (2-1).

  • Tottenham have scored 92 goals in 2017, the third most by a team in a single calendar year in the competition behind Man City in 2017 (101) and Man Utd in 2000 (95).

  • Saints have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games (D4 L6) and none of the last seven.