Steven Bergwijn went from zero to hero on Wednesday night as the Dutchman scored an injury-time brace to beat Leicester 3-2. Both Peter Crouch and Harry Kane gave their immediate reactions, on Bergwijn.
Bergwijn, 24, has struggled throughout the season – failing to gather any momentum since the arrival of Antonio Conte. On Wednesday, Spurs were losing 2-1 when Bergwijn was introduced on 80 minutes.
But no-one could have predicted what was to come next. With the scoreline reading 2-1 to Leicester with the fifth minute of injury time almost up, Bergwijn lashed home an equaliser – after good work from Matt Doherty.
Then, just 80 seconds later, Kane played Bergwijn through on goal and the ex-Ajax man rounded Kasper Schmeichel to make it 3-2 to Spurs. Incredible scenes, and both Kane and Crouch gave their immediate reactions.
Crouch said in his analysis on BT Sport: “For him to take it round the goalkeeper, to remain cool with the blood pumping, after getting a yellow card, it was absolutely fantastic.”
Kane, meanwhile, said post-match: “We never gave up and Stevey came on and made the difference. To get two goals like that – these are games you will never forget in a career.”
Kane, Crouch on Bergwijn: Tottenham-defining moment
Beforehand, Harry Kane had cancelled out Patson Daka’s opener – before James Maddison put Leicester in front in the second 45. But Bergwijn took the game by the scruff of the neck, winning the match for Spurs.
Linked with Ajax and Newcastle this month, Bergwijn has long been touted as a possible casualty at Spurs – as Fabio Paratici looks to bring in some cash to spend elsewhere. But after this, how can he go?
Conte spoke after the match of how a fit Bergwijn is an asset to him and he proved as much in injury time. Aggression, decision making and two brilliant finishes in the heat of the moment. A Spurs-defining moment.
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