Kane and Lamela end Spurs' losing streak

A penalty from Harry Kane and a goal from substitute Erik Lamela ended Tottenham's dismal run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Kane had faced criticism over his lack of fitness in recent weeks and while the England striker struggled to influence the game, he made no mistake from the spot after a handball from Glenn Murray.

Brighton had several chances to equalise but were punished for their profligacy as Lamela swept home from Danny Rose's cutback.

Anthony Knockaert grabbed a consolation in stoppage time but Spurs held on to secure a vital win away from home.

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Spurs came to the Amex Stadium without a win in September but started positively as manager Mauricio Pochettino made five changes to his side.

It took a fine save from goalkeeper Mat Ryan to deny Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld early on after the Belgian met Christian Eriksen's corner with a powerful header.

Spurs controlled the game, ending the first half with 78 per cent possession, but didn't manage to conjure up any clear cut chances.

That was until Kane won a questionable free-kick after a trip from Gaetan Bong. Kieran Trippier stepped up and his effort was blocked by the Brighton wall, but referee Chris Kavanagh did well to spot Murray's handball and pointed to the spot.

In the pouring rain, Kane stepped up and thundered his strike into the corner. Even if Ryan had gone the right way, there was zero chance of the Australian saving it.

Brighton attacked with more purpose after the interval and Anthony Knockaert should have levelled the game when one-on-one with Paulo Gazzaniga but side-footed straight at the Argentine stopper.

Lamela got on the scoresheet when a cutback from Rose found the Argentine and the substitute coolly finished from the edge of the area.

Kane was then denied three times by Ryan as he searched for a second, and just seconds after his effort was saved, Knockaert got a deserved goal when he curled into the far corner.

It was too little, too late from the home side who fall to another defeat, while the pressure is lifted off Pochettino as they get a first win in four games.