Harry Kane is a slow starter... but the goals will soon arrive, insists Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino following another blank

Mauricio Pochettino has reminded those who are doubting Harry Kane that the striker did not score a Premier League goal until November of last season.

The 22-year-old went on to hit 21 in the top flight, 31 in all, but has yet to find the back of the net in five Tottenham games this season and was again out of sorts at Sunderland.

Kane touched the ball in the opposition penalty area just three times and troubled the goalkeeper once. 

Striker Harry Kane has been backed to get among the goals soon by manager Mauricio Pochettino 

Kane is yet to score a Premier League goal so far this season despite last season's fine form 

Manager Pochettino feels criticism of the England forward is unfair. ‘I expect him to have another season like the last one. You must remember he didn’t score for the first two months last year,’ said Pochettino.

‘I’m very happy with him. Harry gives his best for the team and only needs time to score again. I’m sure the goals will arrive. He’s still very confident and was very happy in the dressing room because we have a collective mentality.’

It was a year ago to the day that Spurs drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light, when Kane put through his own net. ‘This year was better for him,’ said Pochettino.

Spurs’ failure to land West Brom forward Saido Berahino means Kane is likely to start the majority of games until January at least. 

Son Heung-min, a £22m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, started on the wing at Sunderland and, following the release of Emmanuel Adebayor, Kane is the only out-and-out striker.

Adebayor’s exit brings to an end an unhappy relationship between club and player — and Pochettino was glad to see the back of the 31-year-old, who was earning £100,000 a week with one year on his contract.

Pochettino has reminded the doubters Kane did not score a Premier League goal last season until November

Kane is Tottenham's only recognised striker following Emmanuel Adebayor's departure earlier this week

‘From the end of last season the situation (with him) was clear. I’m happy because it was important for him and the club to solve the problem,’ he said.

Pochettino praised his team after Ryan Mason’s goal secured their first win. ‘It was a great goal and showed how we want to play. It’s fantastic when you score a winner like that.’

Kane celebrates with goalscorer Ryan Mason after the midfielder earned the north London club all three points