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Tottenham’s big win gives Pochettino a chance to show romantic side

London: Tottenham Hotspur have sent a reminder that the English Premier League title may be more than a two-horse race as they stormed to a 6-2 win at Everton to cut the gap on second-placed Manchester City.

Theo Walcott opened the scoring for Everton but Harry Kane and Son Heung Min grabbed two goals each as Spurs moved within two points of City, and five points ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in fourth and fifth, on Sunday.

Tottenham's Harry Kane celebrates scoring in the rout of Everton.

Tottenham's Harry Kane celebrates scoring in the rout of Everton.Credit:AP

Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen got the other goals as the North Londoners ran riot, with three goals in 13 minutes putting Everton away.

Liverpool take a four-point lead over City going into Christmas, with Spurs now right on their heels and striker Kane believes Tottenham have every chance.

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"Everybody's been talking about Liverpool and Manchester City and we've been getting on with it and doing well, like we normally do," Kane said.

"It's important we carry that on now. The games are coming thick and fast but they're games we can definitely win.

"We've had a good month and hopefully we can take that into January now – and February – and we'll see where we're at come April time."

Kane said winning at Everton was "massive", especially after Walcott gave the home side the lead on 21 minutes.

"After that we created some good chances and took them," he said.

"Second half we dominated the ball and took our chances again."

Walcott converted Dominic Calvert-Lewin's cross to put Everton in front but once Son equalised from a tight angle, Spurs never looked like letting things slip.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford collides with teammate Kurt Zouma, as Spurs' Son Heung-min scores.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford collides with teammate Kurt Zouma, as Spurs' Son Heung-min scores.Credit:AP

Alli gave them the lead on 35 minutes, Kane scored his first three minutes before half-time and Eriksen put the game to bed three minutes into the second half.

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored against his old club to give Everton hope at 4-2 down but Son and Kane completed the rout.

The only disappointment for Spurs was an injury to Alli.

But the scoreline provided a happy coincidence for Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who showed he is an old romantic at heart.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hugs his star player Harry Kane.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hugs his star player Harry Kane.Credit:AP

The Argentinian coach was not have been able to spend his 26th wedding anniversary with wife Karina.

Afterwards, Pochettino was quizzed on the significant special date in his post-match interviews.

Twenty-sixth! Incredible. Yes it [the scoreline] was amazing. I want to send all my love to my wife and congratulations, he told BBC Sport.

Because I believe in universal energy, and today was unbelievable because all day I was thinking I need to find a present for my wife.

Yes, this is the present! 2-6! Unbelievable.

And then, on the last minute with [assistant manager] Jesus [Perez], we were talking because its 26 years today that we got married.

I was in my wedding 26 years ago and now, yes, the score is 2-6. Unbelievable, its a coincidence but sometimes its not too much a coincidence.

Pressed on whether he had actually found the time to get his wife an appropriate wedding anniversary gift, the Spurs boss said: But I am going to arrive so late [back] …

DPA, PA

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