London, May 15 (BNA) A disputed Harry Kane penalty awarded Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Burnley on Sunday, sending Antonio Conte’s side into the Champions League.
Tottenham have jumped to fourth with 68 points from 37 games – Arsenal have 66 from 36 games and could return to the top four if they beat Newcastle United on Monday, Reuters reported.
Burnley, led by interim coach Mike Jackson, entered the match in 17th place and will return to third place if Leeds United avoid defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Despite dominating chances, Spurs were nervously clinging to the final minutes and Conte praised their resilience with so much at stake and just one goal against a side they defeated in February.
“Burnley were the perfect team to test our nerves,” said the Italian.
“I am not sure that if we faced this match three months ago we could celebrate three points at the end of the match. This team has improved a lot, not only in the tactical and technical aspects but also in their mentality,” she said.
Tottenham dominated the first 20 minutes, but Burnley’s temporary defense held steady with goalkeeper Nick Pope saving several times and the visitors came close when Maxwell Cornet forced Hugo Lloris to a fine stop.
But in injury time before the break, referee Kevin Friend was sent to review a handball incident and ruled that Ashley Barnes’ arm was in an “abnormal position” when the ball hit her.
Kane took the penalty in the bottom corner but Burnley’s protests continued after the first half whistle with an angry exchange in the tunnel.
Bob saved twice in the first half to keep Son Heung-min away, while Barnes hit the post for Burnley with a powerful shot from long distance.
But Tottenham had to defend deep in the final minutes as Burnley crossed into the area hoping to equalize late.
It did not arrive and left a satisfied audience to celebrate three vital points for Tottenham, who had their last game of the season in home base Norwich City.
Burnley travel to Aston Villa on Thursday before hosting Newcastle United at Turf Moor.
Furious about the penalty, Jackson said he was proud of the way his team handled Tottenham, without first-backs Ben May and James Tarkowski, “if we keep that spirit it gives us a real chance”. .