Spurs win again as Anji suffer more misery

Tottenham Hotspur FC made it two wins from two in UEFA Europa League Group K after cruising to victory in Ramenskoye against FC Anji Makhachkala.

After an enterprising start by the hosts, Spurs' greater technical prowess began to pay dividends on a difficult pitch, and they sealed the points thanks to a fine spell towards the end of the first half. Two goals in five minutes from Jermain Defoe and Nacer Chadli ultimately proved enough as the Londoners continued their excellent start to their campaign.

Tottenham took their time to settle against an energetic Anji side, but a switch from the left flank to the right for midfield schemer Lewis Holtby soon led to the hosts' undoing. The German international went close with a curling effort and in the 34th minute his incisive pass slid in Defoe, who rifled a right-footed shot into the roof of the net, leaving Evgeni Pomazan with no chance.

The visitors doubled their lead shortly after as, not for the first time, Kyle Walker was able to exploit space down the right. His centre was neatly turned into the far corner by Belgian international Chadli, registering his first European goal for the club since joining from FC Twente in the summer.

Anji had not won in their last 14 matches in all competitions coming into the game but started to play with a bit more endeavour in the second half. The introduction of Lacina Traoré made an impact as the Ivorian first set up Andrei Eschenko and then Pavel Solomatin, who both forced smart saves from Hugo Lloris.

André Villas-Boas' side were not playing with nearly the same intensity they showed in the first 45 minutes and, aside from a decent strike by Solomatin with five minutes to go, which was well saved by Lloris, the visitors easily held on to earn to keep their perfect group stage start intact.