PARIS (AFP) – Harry Kane scored a hat-trick after coming off the bench to seal Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-1 victory over Slovenian champions Mura in the Europa League group stage on Thursday (September 30).

Dele Alli’s penalty and a goal from Giovani Lo Celso gave Spurs control after just eight minutes in north London, but a brilliant volley from Ziga Kous reduced the deficit shortly after half-time.

Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo introduced Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura for the final 30 minutes, a triple change that helped the struggling Premier League club to a well-deserved victory.

Lucas played for Kane to stab at home in the 68th minute, and the England striker struck again after sweeping Son’s cross.

Kane, who had yet to score in the league this season, netted his hat-trick in the dying minutes after a slippery pass from Lo Celso.

“We made it harder than necessary,” Kane told BT Sport. “It was nice to come off the bench and score a few goals.”

Three consecutive league losses have put pressure on Nuno, who was named Premier League manager of the August after leading Spurs to victory in their opening three appearances.

Another tricky test awaits him in the form of Aston Villa at home this weekend, but it was a result that lifted morale and sent Tottenham to the top of Group G with four points.

“As players and staff we have to stick together and work hard. Our recent form has not been great, but we have to try to turn things around in the next game,” Kane said.

“Every striker wants to score goals. I probably didn’t expect to come in today, but it’s good to have the minutes. Anytime you see the ball hitting the back of the net it’s a good one. feeling.”

Spurs lead Rennes on goal difference after the French side came back from behind to beat Vitesse Arnhem 2-1 in the Netherlands.

Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham scored as Jose Mourinho’s Roma defeated Ukraine’s Zorya Luhansk 3-0 in Group C.

Stephan El Shaarawy gave Roma the lead early in Zaporizhia and Smalling took the lead in the 66th minute before Abraham struck soon after coming on.

Roma lead their section with a maximum of six points as they rebound from a weekend derby loss to Lazio in Serie A.

Norwegian champions Bodo / Glimt are second with four points after a 0-0 draw with CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

Union Berlin recorded their first points with a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa, while former European Cup winner Feyenoord beat Slavia Prague 2-1 to take the lead of Group E.