Sometimes the stars just align, as they did for Arnaut Danjuma on his Tottenham debut.
Harry Kane was rested after illness, Richarlison missed out with a minor niggle and, by the time the new signing came off the bench, Preston’s resistance had been broken by Son Heung-min.
Spurs were two up and Danjuma, to his credit, did not squander this perfect chance against tiring Championship defenders, finding space in the penalty box to roll in the third, a side-footer from a low Dejan Kulusevski cross.
Arnaut Danjuma could reignite Tottenham’s season after making the move from Villarreal
The Dutch forward waited a year to score his first goal after joining Bournemouth from Club Bruges in 2019, by which time his team had been relegated from the Premier League.
On his return to English football, he had the ball in the net inside 16 minutes and his name rang out from the away end at Deepdale.
‘Straight to business,’ was his message on social media and, suddenly, the swoop to hijack Everton’s loan deal to sign Danjuma (right), who will turn 26 tomorrow, seemed like good business for Antonio Conte.
The Dutchman marked his debut for Spurs with the third goal in their FA Cup win over Preston
The arrival of Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus this time last year helped Conte revive an underwhelming campaign and Danjuma may have a similar impact.
‘It’s always good to have someone coming in,’ said Son. ‘I remember my first time. I was so excited to play for this shirt and it’s probably the same for him.
‘I gave a big hug to congratulate him. For all the fans as well because everyone wanted to congratulate him. It’s a really important first step and he can be important for us, to bring us positivity and good energy for the rest of the season.’
Danjuma signed for Spurs after turning down an offer from Everton and has already had an impact for Antonio Conte’s men
Danjuma, born in Lagos to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother, had a difficult childhood, in and out of foster care. He rose through the PSV academy, before moving to NEC and a year at Bruges.
After his first year at Bournemouth was disrupted by injury, he excelled in the Championship, scoring 15 goals, earning a move to Villarreal.
It has been a restless career and his attitude has been questioned at times, but Conte will adore his pace and creativity. His versatility across the front three positions will be useful too, and a goal on debut will inspire confidence.