Harry Kane has been a subdued presence around the Tottenham training ground this season, according to sources, after his desired move to Manchester City was blocked by chairman Daniel Levy. The striker, who turns 28 this month, made clear his wish to leave in the summer to play Champions League football and compete for major trophies, but Levy refused to sell.
Kane's frustration has been evident in his performances, with only two goals in six appearances before the midweek Carabao Cup tie at Wolves, where he scored in a penalty shootout win. His body language has been muted, and he has largely avoided speaking to the press, a stark contrast to his happier days at the club.
Sunday's north London derby at Arsenal offers Kane a chance to reignite his league campaign. He is the all-time leading scorer in the fixture, with 11 goals in 14 appearances, and last December's 2-0 home win over Arsenal was a high point, with Kane scoring and Spurs going top of the Premier League.
Kane's mentality has always been a key part of his success. He showed resilience at Euro 2020, scoring after a slow start to help drive England to the final. But the current situation is different, and he must put the summer behind him to avoid further damage to his form and morale.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are a different beast under Mikel Arteta, having won their last three league games. But Kane's record against them suggests Sunday's setting is just right for him to turn up the volume.
