Harry Kane praised the performances of Arsenal this season and jokingly said the fans have a slight bit of admiration for him.
The former Tottenham striker returned to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since joining Bayern Munich in the summer, as the German champions played out an enthralling 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka’s goal put the Gunners deservedly ahead but goals from former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry and a penalty from Kane put Bayern ahead. Leandro Trossard rescued a draw for Arsenal off the bench to set up an enticing second-leg tie in Munich next week.
Kane, who has now scored 15 goals against Arsenal in his career, relished the opportunity to play and score in front of the Emirates faithful once again, jokingly saying that some of the Arsenal fans might have a soft spot for him.
“I said in my earlier interview, I think they have a soft respect for me, the Arsenal fans,” Kane said when asked if the hostility from the Arsenal fans spurred him on.
“But you know, it’s football. I love the game, I was a fan myself when I was younger. I know how it goes. So, for me I just try to perform and for some reason I get quite a lot of penalties here at the Emirates and I’m happy I’ve been able to put them away.”
Kane was also asked about the comparison between this Arsenal side and the one he faced with Spurs last year and in previous seasons.
Tottenham’s all-time top goal scorer highlighted the improvements Arsenal have made this season and said there is a reason they are top of the Premier League.
He said: “First and foremost, we knew coming here would be difficult. Obviously, Arsenal are on top of the Premier League for a reason.
“Arsenal were good last year too but they just fell short. It’ll be tough for them again this season but who knows, it’s not for me to say.”
“They are a really good team. It’s a game next week where it’s all to play for in front of our home fans so maybe we can come away slightly happier. I’m happy again to score here at the Emirates but the most important thing today was the togetherness the team showed.”
