Kane heads Spurs to top spot despite Ajayi’s heroics, Ronaldo scores again

NIGERIA centre-back Semi Ajayi was a rock in the heart of West Brom’s defence on Sunday but his excellent efforts could not prevent another Premier League defeat.

Ajayi marshalled the West Brom defence as they repelled Tottenham Hotspur for over 80 minutes until Harry Kane struck.

England striker Kane got in between Ajayi and Kyle Bartley to head a labouring Spurs side to victory in the 88th minute.

It was Kane’s 150th Premier League goal, which took him to joint ninth in the all-time list of scorers and, more importantly, took Tottenham Hotspur to the top of the table.

Jose Mourinho’s side now have 17 points from eight matches, one more than Liverpool in second place, although the champions would regain top spot if they beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium later on Sunday.

Ajayi, who has started and completed seven of the eight Premier League games for promoted West Brom this season, is expected in Benin City on Monday for international duty.

The former Arsenal star is in the Super Eagles squad that will face Sierra Leone in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 13 November in Benin City and 17 November in Freetown.

Also on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his sixth Serie A goal of the season as Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio.

The former Real Madrid forward fired Juventus ahead in the 15th minute and was taken off in the second half.

Lazio snatched a point in added time through Felipe Caicedo’s goal.