Tottenham 2 - 0 West Ham

Luka Modric scored just eleven minutes into his first match after being out injured with a broken shin. The Croatian latched onto Aaron Lennon’s deflected cross and slotted the ball past Robert Green.

Defoe nearly scored minutes later with a free-kick that only just curled the wrong side of the post. Tom Huddlestone followed up moments later with a thunderous shot that struck the bar.

Redknapp will be especially pleased with the return of Modric, the Croat managing 83 minutes during which he scored his first goal of the season and orchestrated almost every other attack.

Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga both came off injured during the match, adding to Zola’s misery.

Tottenham were in cruise control and started passing and moving with the swagger of a side who appear capable of finishing among the Champions League places this season.

Defoe sealed the points on 81 minutes. The England striker collected possession on the counter attack, drifted inside the West Ham defence and, after having a powerful drive parried by Green, lashed in from the edge of the box.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
“It was a game we dominated but when you’re only 1-0 up you fear that sooner or later they will make a chance.

"We needed a second goal and eventually it came but overall we were stronger than them today, there’s no doubt about that. We played well and were always in control.

"I’ve got a luxury that Gianfranco hasn’t - strong players to bring in who don’t weaken your team in any way, shape or form. Whoever comes in at the moment is doing well and a fourth clean sheet in a row shows we’re a force. We can beat anyone on our day.

"We’re not looking at anybody (in the January transfer window), I cant stand here and say we’ve made contact with any clubs over any players. If players leave we’ll see if we need to replace them and strengthen in areas, but there are no plans to at the moment.”

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
“I’m delighted with how the players reacted and how the team played.

"In the second half we played really well against a very strong team. We were pushing them and they were struggling but when you have a team with the quality they have they can score at any moment. If we keep this spirit we can do important things.

"I’ve got to work with what I’ve got but if the players who are fit give me performances like today we’ll be all right.

"The club wants to keep their best players and we’re going to try very hard to do that. We did very well against Chelsea and Portsmouth and today, with all circumstances considered, we’ve done well.”