FK Qarabag 0-1 Tottenham

Tottenham forward Harry Kane (left) and Son Heung-min celebrate the winner

Harry Kane scored his ninth goal in six games as Tottenham secured their spot in the Europa League last 32 with victory at Qarabag.

The England international nodded in from a yard when Son Heung-min flicked on Christian Eriksen's corner.

Spurs also went close through Son and Dele Alli, who both hit the woodwork.

Qarabag winger Dani Quintana forced a good low save from Hugo Lloris, but he had little else to do, bar a save from Afrian Ismayilov in the first half.

Spurs just need a point from their final game at home to Monaco to seal top spot in Group J.

Tottenham turn it on when needed

It might have been jetlag - having travelled 2,466 miles to Azerbaijan capital Baku - or just a case of holding back, because Tottenham's attacking quartet of Kane, Son, Alli and Eriksen looked a shadow of their recent selves in the first half.

Qarabag, who had yet to lose at home in the competition after two wins and three draws, comfortably contained the potent foursome, although they failed to capitalise on their opponents' sluggish start at the other end.

However, the second half made up for the lack of entertainment in the opening 45 minutes, with Spurs showing the kind of vim in attack that saw them crush West Ham 4-1 at the weekend.

The burgeoning talent that is Alli was Spurs' most dangerous outlet. He should have scored in the first half when he scooped over from eight yards, and then saw his first-time side-footed strike rebound off the post.

South Korea forward Son, who twice scored against Qarabag in the home fixture, also had a good second half. The 23-year-old's thunderous effort hit the bar before he provided the all-important flick for Kane's goal.

Fearless Kane finds his form

From three goals in 17 games to nine in the last six. Anybody who still held the view that Kane was a one-season wonder has surely now been won over by the England striker.

The 22-year-old is finding it harder to miss than score. There was a slight surprise he was not rested for the long trip, with the London derby against Chelsea early on Sunday, but this is a player who has started each of his club's last 41 Premier League games - the longest current run by a top-flight forward.

So with limitless energy and a rediscovered goalscoring touch, Kane could prove crucial for a Spurs side who are looking to end a seven-year spell without a trophy.

Man of the match - Dele Alli (Tottenham)

Tottenham's Alli did all but score at Qarabag - he could prove to be as important as Harry Kane as Spurs search for honours on the domestic and European front

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino:

"We are very happy because with patience and maturity we got the win and qualified.

"We have to say thank you to our fans as well. To travel here and support us is fantastic and so valuable for us.

"We have a strong mentality and our fans do too so we will have a great atmosphere on Sunday for Chelsea."

Tottenham striker Harry Kane:

"It was tough credit, but credit Qarabag.

"We created some good chance in the second half. I feel fit and I wanted to come and play. I'm obviously delighted to score.

"The important thing is we've won. We can recover now and then it's the big game on Sunday against Chelsea."

What next?

Tottenham host Chelsea at midday on Sunday before they travel to West Brom. Their final Europa League game - at home to Monaco - is on 10 December.