Harry Kane hailed Erik Lamela after the Argentine played a part in all of Tottenham’s three second-half goals during their 4-1 triumph over Manchester City.

While Kane has stolen the headlines after getting off the mark for his club this season at the ninth attempt, Lamela continued his recent resurgence with a fine display.

The 23-year-old delivered the inswinging set piece as Toby Alderweireld headed home to put Spurs 2-1 up after the break, and he won the free kick that resulted in Kane’s strike before netting the fourth goal himself.

“I’m very pleased for him,” said Kane. “He’s taken some criticism over the last year or so but since he’s come in he’s shown, especially this season, what a player he can be.

“He’s done very well, he worked hard for the team [against City] up and down the pitch and I’m delighted for him to get his goal - but everyone was top notch.

“We had the higher press, we were relentless in our running and that’s what we’ve been doing to teams this season. We’ve got a very young, fit squad and I feel that’s going to be what we try to do throughout the course of the whole season.

“He [Lamela] is a top lad, he’s a very hard worker on the training field. He’s never let it [the criticism] affect him, he’s carried on practising, working hard on his own after training and stuff. He deserves what he gets. Football’s a funny game and you’ve just got to work hard and keep trying to improve and you’ll get your rewards.

“He probably knows he’s playing well and that’s what it’s like. You’re looking forward to your next game, you want to be out there playing.

“Hopefully he can keep building confidence and keep getting better and better. That’s what we’re trying to do as a team - everyone trying to improve, game in game out, getingt some more experience and keep knocking on the door and see where we end up.”

Follow me on Twitter @BenPearceSpurs