By Joe Grant

Albion endured their first home defeat in seven months after Harry Kane’s first half goal secured the victory for Spurs.

But the England captain was full of praise for the Seagulls.

Kane produced a delicate flick on Saturday after Son Heung-Min whipped a dangerous cross in for Kane to nod past Robert Sanchez.

The visitors were made to work for the three points as Albion again went head to toe with one of the top teams, as they controlled large parts of the game.

Kane said: “Brighton are a really good side.

“They had their fair share of shots as well from the edge of the box, so overall just a really good three points.”

Albion have faced four of last season’s top seven already, winning away at West Ham and Manchester United, drawing at Anfield and then they gave Spurs a real test.

They are certainly not a roll over for any side.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side got themselves in good positions constantly and were really testing the concentration of the Spurs defence.

But they lacked that final pass or finish to put the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Matt Doherty had to really defend well up against Leandro Trossard and then Kaoru Mitoma.

The Irishman admitted Brighton gained control in the second half.

He said: “We lost a bit of control in terms of our forward momentum and invited them on but we managed to just hold out.”

Despite a good performance from Danny Welbeck, the hosts lacked that killer instinct that Antonio Conte’s side had at the other end.

Kane had two chances throughout the game and scored one that ultimately secured the three points for his side.

The academy graduate scored his eighth goal in nine games this season, his best ever start to a premier league season.

The striker said: “I feel good, obviously really nice to be scoring in most of the games and especially when they turn out to be winning goals like today. It is always great to help the team in that way.”

Albion fans would have been devastated losing the game to a goal from Kane but come December they will be hoping to see him doing the same in an England shirt.

The England captain said: “As a striker, you want to be in a good rhythm coming up to a major tournament, there has been times where I have and times where I have not, and I have still managed to do well for England in those moments.”

“’The World Cup is going to come so thick and fast, and we have got so many games before it, I need to try not to think about it but hopefully once it comes will be ready.”