Breaking Down Harry Kane's Performance for Tottenham vs. Newcastle

Harry Kane claimed his 30th goal of a remarkable breakout season against Newcastle on Sunday as Spurs won 3-1 to move level with Liverpool in fifth. 

After two games without a goal, some critics were suggesting that Tottenham's young striker was in a slump. 

Never mind the fact that he was among Spurs' better players in both the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa and the goalless draw against Burnley; such are the expectations of their England man that 180 minutes after scoring a hat-trick against Leicester, questions now begin to be asked. 

Nominated for the Premier League player of the year award during the week, Kane responded as a player on such an illustrious list should. 

Not only did he score a fine goal, he gave an excellent, rounded performance to underscore his position as one of the Premier League's best strikers. 

Newcastle's defence of Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson had a combined experience of over 360 Premier League games and Kane was at them from the opening minutes.

Persistently sitting on the last shoulder, he was a constant threat. 

Inside the first two minutes, Kane was keeping them on their toes. His run onto Paulinho's chipped pass didn't result in a scoring chance but it put the defenders on notice. 

Moments later he drifted out to the right, again probing for weaknesses.

A nasty clash with Vurnon Anita required treatment and appeared to shake him up before a sweeping cross-field ball to Danny Rose signalled his recovery. 

That move highlighted an important facet of Kane's game. His goals have been vital but he continues to improve in his build-up play and excels at bringing his teammates into the game. 

Spurs weren't playing especially well in the opening half hour but Kane was involved in everything good. His calm turn and pass that set Christian Eriksen away on a quick break spoke volumes of the maturity that he consistently displays. 

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Nacer Chadli opened the scoring with a rather tame shot from distance that beat the usually reliable Tim Krul who, to be fair, was unsighted.

In a remarkable repeat of the reverse fixture earlier this season, Newcastle levelled within moments of the second half getting underway but this time Spurs did not wilt. 

Eriksen's free-kick restored their lead but again Kane was heavily involved. His diving header took Tim Krul's attention, forcing him to hesitate. Most of the credit must go to Eriksen but Kane's rising status contributed directly. 

That he was unable to get a touch on the ball and finally notch his 30th goal of the season may have frustrated Kane but he showed little evidence of that. 

He came again and again at Newcastle, almost reaching that milestone in the 67th-minute.

Flying in to volley Paulinho's corner at the back post with a side-footed shot, Krul did very well to keep Kane at bay. Kane thought he had scored but replays showed he was inches short. 

Quite apart from his goalscoring heroics, Kane has polished his game in other areas throughout this season and at St James' much of that was on display. 

In the 71st-minute, he held off the powerful Coloccini to control a clearance from Michel Vorm on halfway. Turning and driving out wide he showed off his pace and control to escape both Coloccini and Sammy Ameobi before jabbing a pass ahead of Erik Lamela. 

Krul beat the Argentinian (who was offside in any case) to the ball but the moment exemplified how Kane has developed beyond simply scoring.

In the final minute of the match he got the goal his performance deserved. 

Ryan Mason won possession on the edge of Spurs' box, heading down to Erik Lamela. Lamela carried the ball towards halfway before rolling it into the path of Kane. Having timed his run perfectly, Kane was completely unmarked with Mason alongside him to offer an outlet. 

Harry Kane on Instagram

Full of confidence though, Kane fired his shot past Krul to seal the match. 

That goal took him to the scarcely credible tallies of 30 goals in all competitions and 20 in the Premier League. He remains level with Manchester City's Sergio Aguero as the league's top scorer.

Gary Lineker, the last Spurs player to record 30 goals in one season, tweeted his congratulations after Kane scored. 

"

Well done @hkane28 on being the first Spurs player to score 30 goals in yonks. Sheringham, Klinsmann, Defoe, Keane, Adebayor, where are you?

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 19, 2015"

Kane humbly responded before Lineker cheekily set him a new target. 

"

35 to beat.... https://t.co/aWWqUgLPHB

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 19, 2015"

Kane was, as ever, among Spurs' best on the pitch against Newcastle. His goal secured a first victory in three games and kept up his excellent scoring record. 

His emergence this season has been a pleasure for Spurs and England fans alike and his consistency and ability to contribute in build-up as well as in front of goal suggests that he will be a significant player for both teams for some time to come.