Defoe pounces again

Tottenham strolled to victory and took control of Europa League Group K after dispatching a poor  Anzhi Makhachkala in Moscow last night.

Jermain Defoe scored his seventh goal in four starts this season, converting from a Lewis Holtby pass.

Nacer Chadli then swept home a low cross from Kyle Walker soon after to double the visitors’ lead before the break.

Anzhi substitute Lacina Traore added some presence to the hosts in the second half, but they still rarely threatened.

Defoe should have added to his goal tally late on but stuttered after rounding the keeper.

Manager Andres Villas Boas said: “Another great goal, great finish.

“He is doing extremely well whenever he’s given the opportunity.

“He is very professional and has a great attitude, and is now just one off Martin Chivers. So, a great achievement from him.”

Elsewhere, Swansea saw off St Gallen to stay top of Group A.

St Gallen’s Goran Karanovic had a first-half penalty saved by Gerhard Tremmel after Dwight Tiendalli had handled just inside the area.

But Wayne Routledge netted his third of the season on 53 minutes to earn a tough win.

Wigan beat NK Maribor 3-1 to complete a fine night for the English clubs.

Valencia eased to a 2-0 win at Kuban Krasnodarm while there was a six-goal thriller between Trabzonspor and Italian side Lazio in Turkey.