Football news - Barnes strike dents Tottenham title hopes after Kane scores on return

Ashley Barnes scored a late winner for Burnley to ruin Harry Kane’s return and Tottenham’s hopes of moving closer to the summit of the Premier League.

Despite a fantastic away record so far this season, and the return of talismanic Kane, it was a frustrating start for Spurs at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Burnley began with vigour to put real pressure on the visitors, and were able to create several chances for themselves certainly looking the most dangerous of the two teams for a time.

Spurs fought back but didn’t look as bright as they often do, which wasn’t helped by Burnley’s solid defensive efforts.

Though Spurs played a patient game, they were absolutely flooded by Burnley who were able to shut down the attack on most occasions.

Though Spurs did manage a few shots in the first half, Christian Eriksen’s low strike in the 32nd minute was perhaps the most challenging for keeper Tom Heaton.

Spurs came out fighting in the second half despite much the same from Burnley who did their best to stem the tide.

It was the home side that found the scoresheet first, thanks to Chris Wood’s header from a controversially-given corner.

Kane gave the visitors a way back into the match in the 65th minute after slotting the ball past Heaton.

But Barnes’ goal with just over five minutes remaining may have changed the course of Spurs’ entire season as they missed a chance to put pressure on the top two.

The result sees Spurs’ remain in third place with five points between them and both Manchester City and Liverpool, meanwhile Burnley move up to 13th.

Is Spurs' title campaign over? Spurs found themselves back in contention for the league title - a possibility which has seemed off the cards since Christmas. A win today could have seen them end the weekend with just two points between them and City and Liverpool, the latter who face a bouyant Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. A loss today, facing Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two league matches leaves them with a moutain to climb to make up any ground.

Ashley Barnes (Burnley). The 29-year-old not only scored the winning goal, but also looked good throughout the match, particularly in his linked play with Chris Wood.

Burnley: Heaton 7, Bardsley 7, Tarkowski 7, Mee 7, Taylor 6, Hendrick 7, Westwood 6, Cork 6, McNeil 7, Barnes 8, Wood 7. Subs: Gudmundsson 5, Brady 5.

Tottenham: Lloris 6, Aurier 5, Alderweireld 6, Foyth 6, Vertonghen 7 , Rose 7, Winks 7, Sissoko 6, Eriksen 7, Son 7, Kane 7. Subs: Lucas 6, Llorente 6.

57’ - GOAL! Burnley 1-0 Spurs. A corner works out very well for Burnley as Chris Wood heads the ball to find the net.

65' - GOAL! Burnley 1-1 Spurs. Harry Kane levels the playing field as he recieves Danny Rose's throw-in to slot past Heaton and find the net.

84' - GOAL! Burnley 2-1 Spurs. Ashley Barnes taps the ball in from close range thanks to a defensive error by Serge Aurier.