The attention of those at both ends of the Premier League were focused on Loftus Road, where the teams involved knew defeat could prove a defining moment in their season.

In the end, Kane proved the difference in a tense, entertaining battle, scoring either side of half-time to take his tally to 26 goals in all competitions in front of Roy Hodgson, securing Spurs a 2-1 win which moved them within three points of the top four.

Sandro’s late strike meant his former side had to ride out a late storm, but QPR were unable to avoid falling to a seventh defeat in eight league games.

Things could have been so different had Charlie Austin found the net with some decent first-half chances and his team-mates defended better for Kane’s opening goal, which came seconds after fans chanted “You’re just a s*** Charlie Austin” at him.

Rio Ferdinand, Nedum Onuoha and Robert Green were all culpable as the 21-year-old was allowed to nod home a free-kick unmarked, while the defence was again found wanting as Kane was all too easily allowed to run through to net.

QPR did have several penalty claims of varying strengths before and after Kane’s second and a fine strike from Sandro led to a tense ending, yet Chris Ramsey’s men were unable to avoid a defeat that leaves them three points from safety.