HARRY WINKS netted his first goal for over two years with a 56-yard stunner – before admitting it was a total fluke.
The Spurs midfielder picked the ball up on the touchline, not far inside the Ludogorets half before perfectly curling it over keeper Dejan Iliev, who was off his line.
This shows just how far out Winks was from goal
The midfielder took aim, but was he meaning to strike at goal?
It nestled beautifully into the top-right hand corner leaving the Bulgarians, and most of his own team-mates, stunned.
Vinicius had earlier scored twice to put Jose Mourinho’s side firmly in the driving seat in the Europa League clash, with Lucas Moura adding another later in a 4-0 victory.
Winks was congratulated by his laughing team-mates after his first goal since a header against Fulham in January 2019.
And immediately the question on everybody’s lips was ‘did he mean it?’.
Spurs icon Glenn Hoddle, who was commentating on BT Sport, admitted he was left ‘hoping’ Winks had, insisting: “I think he’s had a little look here.
“He’s got a little bit of time, and bang, I think he’s gone for it.
But, after full-time, Winks burst that bubble, admitted he did NOT mean to score… and was instead aiming to play a long ball to Bale.
He said: “I would love to say that I meant it… but I’ve got to be honest, no I didn’t mean it.
The Ludogorets keeper was beaten all ends up
Harry Winks ended his barren scoring run in unreal styleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Winks could barely believe it himself as he takes the congratulationsCredit: Reuters
“I saw Gaz [Bale] making that run and I just overhit it.
“But I’ll take it, it’s a goal at the end of the day, and I’m really happy to get on the scoresheet.”
After Winks’ honest admission, pundit Peter Crouch took his hat off to the England ace.
Ex-Spurs striker Crouch said: “Fair play to Harry Winks. I’ve known players who would have claim that without a doubt.
“It was the way he looked up and spotted Gareth Bale’s run. He was obviously looking for that but it did look amazing.”
But boss Jose Mourinho was less impressed, joking: “He is too honest. I am not happy with him.
“With a goal like that you have to say you meant it, but a good kid. He is honest.”
Winks, who has struggled for minutes under Mourinho this season, continued by saying the goal gave him a big mental lift.
He continued;: “It’s good to build my confidence back up and to score, and play well, and win the game it’s always a positive and nice feeling.
“It’s tough, it’s very difficult. But all I can do when I get opportunities like this is to play well, score.
“I’m happy with the way I played.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
