(BBC) – The figure of Harry Kane loomed large over Tottenham Hotspur’s superb victory over Manchester City to such an extent that it firmly focused the minds of almost 60,000 fans filling this magnificent arena.
Manchester City’s supporters fired the opening salvo in the public battle for Kane’s heart and mind – as well as taunting their Spurs counterparts – within seconds of the game starting with loud chants of “Harry Kane, he wants to be blue”.
The tables were brutally turned as City’s performance sank without trace, leaving Spurs supporters to deliver a retort of their own in the direction of the wanted man.
They left it just late enough to feel confident that victory was theirs before singing: “Are you watching Harry Kane?”
He was. And saw Spurs, under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, give a performance that hints at promise ahead, whether that is with or without Kane.
Ironically, it was Guardiola who once referred to Spurs as “the Harry Kane team”. This, with delicious timing and a touch of irony, proved they are much more than that.
Kane may not have been playing but still cast a shadow over this pulsating opening Premier League encounter deservedly settled in Spurs’ favour by Son Heung-min’s second-half goal.

The story will continue and it may just be that events here at a vibrant Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could have prompted the next chapter in this story.
Guardiola and Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners will be contemplating whether they can win another title without a recognised striker, even after the £100m acquisition of Jack Grealish. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to be determined to fight off City interest as the clock ticks down to the close of the transfer window. Will City feel they are so in need of Kane after this punchless show that they offer a sum that will make Levy blink?
There was enough on show from Spurs to suggest all hope will not be lost even in a post-Kane era – especially with their brilliant match-winner Son just tied to a new long-term contract.

Nuno’s new side played with such passion and quality in their 1-0 win that the Spurs support were able to loudly remind the 28-year-old England captain that they regard as “one of their own” just what he might be risking by leaving.
Tottenham say Kane was not considered for selection as he recovers from his Euro 2020 exertions with England followed by a holiday. He does not yet have a decision to make but the manner in which Spurs performed without him may have eased concerns among those who fear his departure would be a hammer blow to the club’s aspirations, making a mockery of their much-touted ambitions.
New manager Nuno has walked into a difficult situation, having to deal with the Kane speculation while attempting to impose his strategy on the players he has inherited. Phase one was completed more or less to perfection as the Portuguese warmly embraced each one of his players before acknowledging a standing ovation from Spurs fans elated at what they had just witnessed, an extra gloss of pleasure applied by the fact City have set sights on their prized asset.