Defoe hits treble for five-star Spurs

JERMAIN DEFOE hit a superb hat-trick as Tottenham went top of the Barclays Premier League with a resounding win at Hull last night.

Defoe and Wilson Palacios both struck in the opening 14 minutes as Tottenham began brilliantly at the KC Stadium.

Stephen Hunt gave Hull hope when his cross from a free-kick bounced in, but Defoe scored again on the stroke of half-time and then once more in the last minute after a Robbie Keane headed goal.

Tottenham now have a 100% record after two games for only the second time in 14 years, while Hull have not won in the Premier League since March, a run stretching back 12 games.

Harry Redknapp’s men were outstanding in attack and Hull’s defence had few answers. Defoe was the first player to get a sight of goal but his delicate chip drifted narrowly over.

The England striker made no mistake in the 10th minute, however, after Spurs were gifted possession by George Boateng. Tom Huddlestone threaded a perfect ball into the penalty area and Defoe coolly fired a low left-footed shot into the far corner.

The night got worse for Hull four minutes later as Keane burst into space up the middle and slipped in Palacios on the left. The former Wigan man proved equally clinical as Defoe as he fired home from a similar angle.

Hull had something to cheer in the 24th minute as Hunt handed them a fortuitous lifeline.

Yet Spurs remained a threat and Defoe gave further warning of their potency when he drilled a shot wide.

Hull did not learn the lesson and Defoe grabbed the third in the 45th minute after flicking the ball past a wrong-footed Turner and blasting past Myhill. Tottenham wrapped up the points 12 minutes from time after breaking up the field following a Hull corner.

The ball was worked wide to Lennon and the winger lofted a perfect cross for Keane to head in.

It proved Keane’s last significant contribution as Peter Crouch was then brought on in his place. Lennon then picked out Crouch with another cross from the right but Myhill saved his header.

Defoe had the final word when he drilled home a fierce left-footed shot in stoppage-time.

HULL: Myhill, Mouyokolo (Barmby 46), Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Mendy, Boateng (Ghilas 69), Olofinjana, Hunt, Folan, Cousin (Geovanni 22).

TOTTENHAM: Gomes (Cudicini 16), Hutton, Corluka, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric (Bentley 85), Keane (Crouch 81), Defoe. Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).