Burnley’s clash with Fulham, scheduled for Sunday, was
called off due to a number of positive cases among the Fulham squad.
Fulham’s trip to Tottenham was also postponed just hours
before kick-off on Wednesday, to the frustration of Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
But even as his side ended a four-game winless run with a
return to form against Leeds, Mourinho also lambasted three of his players for
breaking coronavirus restrictions.
Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon were
pictured attending a large party with family and friends over Christmas along
with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini.
“We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this
image showing some of our players with family and friends together at
Christmas, particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country
made to stay safe over the festive period,” a Tottenham statement said. “The
matter will be dealt with internally.”
The latest breach by players will do little to ease the
pressure on the Premier League to halt the season as a “circuit-breaking”
measure to cope with the soaring infection rates across England.
Despite the latest postponement, the Premier League again
insisted there were no plans for a pause.
“With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming
majority of clubs, the League continues to have confidence in its COVID-19
protocols, fully backed by the Government, to enable fixtures to be played as
scheduled,” the league said in a statement.
– ‘Telepathic’ Tottenham duo –
On the field, Kane and Son ended two games without a goal to
move Tottenham up to third and within four points of leaders Liverpool and
Manchester United.
Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot before turning
provider for Son to slot home his 100th goal for the club.
It was the 13th time Kane and Son had combined for a goal
this term, equalling the Premier League record set by Alan Shearer and Chris
Sutton for Blackburn in 1994-95.
“He knew I was there. Sometimes it is telepathic,” said Son
“To score 100 goals with one team is a big thing. I’m very
proud. It’s a good way to start the new year.”
The South Korean then also got an assist early in the
second-half when his corner was headed home by Toby Alderweireld.
At the other end of the table, Sheffield United remain
without a win all season as they crept ever closer to a return to the
Championship with a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Jeffrey Schlupp opened the scoring after just four minutes
before he was forced off with an injury and made way for Eberechi Eze.
The England under-21 international then ran from deep inside
his own half past a couple of weak challenges before slotting into the far
corner in first-half stoppage time.
A first win in six games eased the Eagles’ woes and moved
them up to 12th.
The Blades, meanwhile, remain on just two points from 17
games, 11 adrift of safety.
-AFP