Defoe double-downs resistant Royals to secure Spurs first win

Tottenham came into this game without a win to their name so far this season, but a solid performance at the back and a bit of flair on show going forward helped contribute to their first three points of the campaign.

Jermain Defoe continued his hot streak in front of goal when he broke the deadlock after 18 minutes with a crisp finish past début goal-keeper McCarthy.

McCarthy was clearly feeling the pressure of his début, with a loose touch almost leading to a second goal before the break, and the ever-dangerous Gylfi Sigurdsson’s shot cleared off the line.

Though the first half easily belonged to Spurs, Reading began to come back at the North Londoners in the second half, working a few openings, but failing in testing Brad Friedel.

But this good play from Reading was left in tatters when Aaron Lennon broke down the right flank, his cross finding Bale whose scuffed shot found its way out of McCarthy’s reach and into the back of the net.

Three minutes later and the game was completely over, Defoe snuffing out any revival hopes with a stunning second goal.

He picked up the ball on the half-way line, before embarking on a slaloming run climaxing with a sublime cross-goal finish from the England striker.

New signing Clint Dempsey made a five minute appearance, but by then the job was done for Andre Villas Boas’ men.

A late consolation goal did come for Reading through substitute Hal Robson-Kanu with a well-made volley following a deft cross from Adam Le Fondre.

The result leaves Reading currently sitting in 19^th, having played a game less than everyone else around them whilst Spurs sneak into the top half of the table having taken five points from their four games thus far.

Adam Appleton, football correspondent