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Cape Town - Tottenham striker Harry Kane has stressed the importance of the Lilywhites making a strong start to the season if they are to keep pace with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Both City and Liverpool made a huge statement of intent before Tottenham had even kicked a ball on Saturday afternoon.
The champions hammered West Ham 5-0 and Liverpool romped past Norwich 4-1, to put some early pressure on Mauricio Pochettino's men ahead of their home game with Aston Villa, but they responded with the win. But only just.
Spurs needed a late Kane brace to ensure they got off to a winning start, beating Villa 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the England captain says the two title favourites cannot be allowed to pull away, just like they did in the second half of last season.
There is an early chance for Pochettino's side to climb above City next week when the two meet in an early-season blockbuster.
It may only be the second game of the season, but could be crucial as far as Tottenham's title chances are concerned.
Kane is well aware of that and a draw, would have to be seen as an excellent result. He also says there is a real belief that Tottenham could go all the way themselves this season.
"We kept up with them for a while last year but they blew ahead after January," Kane said. "We have to make sure we get off to a good start.
"Liverpool set the standard on Friday night and City before us, so it's important that we stay in touch as long as we can. We have full belief that we can go all the way but there's a long road ahead and we've got to be fully focused."
If Tottenham are going to challenge for the Premier League title then Kane's goals are going to be very important. The 26-year-old was delighted to break his duck at Spurs' new stadium, netting for the first time at four attempts back in N17.
"It's something I've been thinking about for a while," he added. "I missed a few games towards the back end of last year and had the summer to think about what that would be like, so it was nice to do it and help the team to get a victory.
"I feel in a good place and hopefully I can continue doing what we've done."
