Your Tottenham morning digest from football.london on Tuesday, December 27.
Kane struggles
Tottenham had to come from behind to draw against Brentford in the first game back in the Premier League for Antonio Conte's men.
Two first half goals for the hosts put them in a strong position before Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored to earn Spurs a point.
It continues a trend of poor first half showings from Tottenham and Kane was amongst those that looked to be suffering from World Cup fatigue in the first half. From the match, reporter Alasdair Gold wrote: "Barely involved for long periods in the first half. Did appear to be wrestled to the ground in the Brentford box but the officials and VAR were not having it.
READ MORE: Antonio Conte and Tottenham face triple suspension risk ahead of huge Arsenal and Man City games
"He then did what he does best in the second half with a towering header to send Lenglet's cross arrowing into the far corner."
Read the full story, here.
Conte defends Kane
Conte was supportive of his striker after the match though. Kane was singled out by the Brentford fans during the action with chants of "you've let your country down".
Kane missed a vital penalty for England against France in the World Cup quarter final tie. He blazed his spot-kick over the bar in a situation that would have sent the game to extra-time, with the Three Lions on top.
His return was marred though, and Conte doesn't agree with the criticism. "But you know very well, football is this," Conte said. "You can have positive or negative moments. If you are strong mentally, if you are a top player, if you are a player of a big, big level, then there is a moment you have to put to one side a negative situation and move on."
Read the full story, here.
Juventus want cash for Rabiot
Italian publication CalcioMercatoWeb are reporting that Juventus aren't interested in swap deals for midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
The Frenchman was part of Didier Deschamps' side that progressed to the World Cup final but fell short to Argentina and is out of contract in the summer.
He has been offered to several Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window but the Serie A side aren't looking for a part-cash-part-player deal. Spurs would be open to allowing Emerson Royal to leave in this manor, however.
READ NEXT:
Every word Antonio Conte said on his contract, Kane, Romero, Richarlison injury and transfers
Conte's exciting Sarr verdict, Bissouma solves dilemma - 5 things spotted in Tottenham vs Nice
How Davinson Sanchez helped Son Heung-min as Harry Kane and Richarlison watch Tottenham draw
Tottenham player ratings vs Nice: Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil impress as Matt Doherty scores
Tottenham vs Nice first-half player ratings: Doherty and Bissouma impress, Sanchez sloppy
