Kane's scoring return for Spurs marred in Burnley defeat

Harry Kane was back with a bang, but Tottenham Hotspur left Turf Moor with a whimper.

Spurs' local lad notched a goal Saturday following a 41-day injury absence to cancel out Chris Wood's headed opener. But Ashley Barnes tapped in after 83 minutes to ensure Burnley took all the spoils from their lackluster visitors.

Mauricio Pochettino was incensed after the final whistle as his side's title pursuit grew more difficult. Burnley's opener came via a corner which should've been awarded as a goal kick, and the Argentinian wasn't willing to let referee Mike Dean and his assistants forget the oversight in an uncharacteristic on-pitch outburst.

Kane suffered an ankle injury in mid-January that was expected to keep him out until early March or later. But the talismanic striker appeared back to his ruthless best, forcing Tom Heaton into a sublime save with a powerful smash from outside the area before netting his 15th goal of the season.

It was a determined effort. The 25-year-old shrugged off the close attention of Ben Mee and coolly slotted past Heaton. It was likely a welcome sight for England boss Gareth Southgate, who was watching in the stands.

But Burnley were in their best form of the season and extended their undefeated league run to eight matches when Barnes netted from four yards.

The loss left Tottenham five points adrift of Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race. The latter's game in hand is at Manchester United on Sunday.