Defoe and Lennon fire Spurs to victory

23 August 2009 19:29
Tottenham maintained their 100% start to the Barclays Premier League season with a 2-1 victory as West Ham gifted them Jermain Defoe's equaliser and Aaron Lennon's winner at Upton Park. The Hammers were leading through Carlton Cole's spectacular volley but the England striker's wayward pass then set up Defoe to level against his former club. Another mistake led to Lennon's winner, with Jonathan Spector slipping at the vital moment and the winger taking full advantage to rifle into the bottom corner. Since leaving West Ham, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has an impressive record of getting results at Upton Park - but he does not usually need help from his former club. Redknapp has played down suggestions of challenging for the top four but they now have three wins from three and the initial signs pointed to a more comfortable win against Gianfranco Zola's men after defeating Liverpool and Hull. Cole broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half with his unstoppable volley. Despite his height, Luis Jimenez managed to get his head on the ball, cushioning it back to Cole 25 yards out. The 25-year-old took a touch before swinging with left and sending his effort crashing past Carlo Cudicini. But the Hammers striker went from hero to villain in the space of five minutes. There was no danger when held the ball up near the halfway line but his pass backwards turned into a perfect through-ball for Defoe. The former Hammers striker accepted the invitation and lashed past Robert Green for his sixth goal in four games this season for club and country. Lennon's winning goal came with 11 minutes remaining. Spector lost his footing when there was little danger apparent, with Lennon nipping in and unleashing a drive into the far corner.

Source: Eurosport