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Hull 1-5 Spurs
What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Tottenham were staring into the abyss at the bottom of the Premier League table, now they are sitting at its summit.
It took 10 games for Spurs to reach the tally of six points last term, yet impressive victories over Liverpool and Hull mean they have already reached that landmark in just two matches of the new campaign.
They are quite simply unrecognisable from the rabble that faltered under their beleaguered former manager Juande Ramos.
Then again the Spaniard didn't have Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane at his disposal but his replacement Harry Redknapp looks like he is more than benefiting from the return of the club's prodigal sons.
Of course, their transfers back from Portsmouth and Liverpool respectively took place last January, but that was in order to save the club's season — now they are the launch-pad behind what could prove to be a memorable one.
The team have certainly transformed, particularly as an attacking force, however it's Defoe's improvement which really grabbed the attention.
He has been a striker of some renown for many years but generally there was a suspicion that his career had begun to stagnate, mainly because his talent hadn't developed any further.
However, as he told Standard Sport last week, he is determined not to miss out on representing England at a World Cup for a second time after being left out of the squad in 2006 and his dream to play in South Africa next year has turned him into a hungrier animal.
Two goals for England against Holland has been followed by his first hat-trick for five years as he swept Hull aside almost single-handedly.
To most observers he looks in the best shape of his career and the 26-year-old is not ashamed to confirm he is.
He said: “I put the work in over pre-season and am feeling fit, really sharp and strong. I really put a lot into all the gym work and I'm benefiting. I just want to keep going now.”
Redknapp believes there is no better striker in the country right now but was determined not to ignore Keane's display. The Irish international set up two of Tottenham's goals and also scored with a fine header himself.
Redknapp said: “Keane was excellent. The movement and interchanging of positions was fantastic.”
While Keane was thriving, Hull were the complete opposite of the well organized defensive unit that frustrated Chelsea on Saturday.
Spurs cut through them with ease twice in the first 14 minutes with Tom Huddlestone setting up Defoe for his first before Keane passed to Wilson Palacios to help him get off the mark in English football.
Hull briefly threatened a comeback when Stephen Hunt's free-kick evaded everyone and bounded into the corner but Defoe's second before the break killed the home side off.
Keane and Defoe made the scoreline more emphatic after the break to send their fans heading home chanting, We are top of the League!'
Something they would never have thought possible this time last year.
Reader views (12)
Nc-UK Spitefulness and jealousy will get you no where! Rest assure all Spurs fans are level headed and totally understand that we are no championship material. However as loyal supporters who are devoted to our club we will certainly enjoy this moment for as long as it lasts and thank you for the NO BRAINER! Now hopefully this resolves this issue and maybe you can now go back and focus on whichever team you support? Good Luck.
- Andy Odysseos,, Bishopbriggs Glasgow, 20/08/2009 15:48
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Guys, its a good start and lets not get too carried away, next tough game at Hammers, we all know its their Derby and want to beat Spurs...
Well done Harry, good to see Wilson score his first goal and JD does look sharp...
- Adrian, london, 20/08/2009 14:26
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Kerry from Purley ?....Spuds ?...school holidays still going strong..
- Guvnor, London, 20/08/2009 14:13
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Put it down to luck. You never know in football whih way the pendulum will swing next. I'm still waiting for Man U and Chelsea to be relegated for offences against the name of football.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 20/08/2009 13:55
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Still a few carpers out there, crying in their light ales over Spurs' recent success.
The faithful know it probably won't last, but, nevertheless, it's great to shove it all the way to our irrational, bile-ridden sneering critics.
Come on you SPURS!
- Ted, London, 20/08/2009 13:51
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this is spurs year!!
- Arsenalbob, studham,england, 20/08/2009 13:33
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Enjoy, I am sure normal services will resume if not in the next month, then certainly over the season. Spurs WILL NOT finish in the top 6.
- Nc, UK, 20/08/2009 12:44
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so happy!!!! long may it continue!!
- Mimi, london, 20/08/2009 12:42
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Just like a sunny day, it won't last. show me the table at Christmas, the Spuds will be 5th at best.
- Kerry, Purley, 20/08/2009 12:08
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Well done Harry... Another great result.
I wonder what Rob Hotspurs will say?
- Mark, St Albans, 20/08/2009 10:22
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Apart from a lazy blip for 20 minutes or so after Gomes was carried off we looked world class going forward. 5 fantastic goals with movement and passing of pure class. Still need to get Woodgate and Dawson back fit as Corluka + Bassong although they did an ok job could get punnished by stronger teams and we missed a bit of leadership. I think the first real test of how good we are comes on Sunday at West Ham and then Man U and Chelsea. If Fabio watched this game surely he would have been scribbling Defoe's name as a must to go to South Africa. In this form I would start him ahead of Rooney.
- Sd, WICKFORD, 20/08/2009 09:36
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I'm printing out the league table now ....
- Paul, London, 20/08/2009 08:44
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