Harry Kane hails Tottenham for taking ‘really important’ step in Stamford Bridge draw with Chelsea

Harry Kane believes Tottenham’s battling 2-2 draw against Chelsea could prove to be a crucial result for the team.

Spurs were below-par for much of the match and twice fell behind against Thomas Tuchel’s side, first through Kalidou Koulibaly’s first-half volley and then when Reece James fired home with 13 minutes remaining.

But Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg levelled the first time and Kane then earned his side a point deep into stoppage-time when he flicked on a corner into the far corner to spark wild scenes of celebration.

While Tottenham have still only won at Stamford Bridge once in the Premier League era, Kane insisted it was a crucial step for the team to avoid defeat at a ground that have struggled at so much in the past.

“It was a really important game for us to show where we are as a team,” Kane told Sky Sports.

“It’s a marathon not a sprint and we’ve got a long way to go with a World Cup in between. But it was important especially after losing five or six times to them in cup or league, away from home at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been our best place over the years so to come away with a point especially at the end was a good feeling.”

Chelsea will feel they should have come away with all three points from an ill-tempered derby, which resulted in both managers being shown a red card after the match.

Particularly in the first-half, Spurs looked off the pace on a boiling afternoon in west London, but Kane praised the resilience of the visitors to keep themselves in the match and then ensure they avoided defeat.

“It was a tough game, playing against a really good side,” Kane said.

“We knew it was going to be a really tough battle. First half we weren’t good enough with or without the ball but second half I thought we came out and pressed well, got the goal. It was disappointing the way we conceded the second.

“But we carried on fighting and pressing and got one at the end there. I’m happy with the way we fought back especially second half and really nice feeling to get that one at the end.”