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Pochettino backs Kane over dubious Stoke goal

Cape Town - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane claiming the goal from Christian Eriksen in last Saturday's Premier League win over Stoke City was legitimate. 

Kane was given the winning second goal over Stoke by the league's accreditation appeals panel despite it appearing dubious that the England striker got a touch from Eriksen's cross in the encounter at the Bet365 Stadium.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah questioned the strike in social media as he looks to maintain his lead in the race for the Golden Boot, with the Egypt winger still enjoying a four-goal advantage over the 24-year-old.

Nonetheless, Pochettino takes the view that it was his forward's goal and that there is harmony in the Liliwhites camp about the decision taken. 

He said: "It is not a big deal, I promise you. Harry is generous and a person who always puts the collective ahead before himself. 

"Harry is a very honest person, he's not going to lie about this situation and it's not a big issue or big deal for the team. 

"Of course all strikers need to feel the net and score but Harry always shows his commitment with the team and team-mates. 

"I think during the game when they talked, when the goal happened, Harry said to Christian, 'I touched with my right shoulder' and after the game they were happy and Harry said 'It was my goal' and Christian said 'Okay, no problem'. 

"I promise it's not a big deal. No one talked about it this week inside the club. I hope Harry and Christian can score Saturday and make everyone happy. 

"For me, I don't care who scores the goals. I care about the three points but it was a club decision to appeal. 

"I wasn't involved in this decision but I'm sure that Harry and Christian were agreed to do this. 

"No one said to me what is going to happen and then for me it's a dealing between them. If the club believe it was right to do the appeal, I have nothing to say from me."

Spurs welcome Manchester City to Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 20:45 (SA time).

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