Defoe joy to hit Euro milestone

A first Tottenham goal for Erik Lamela and a record-breaking penalty from Jermain Defoe secured safe passage into the knockout rounds of the Europa League for Andre Villas-Boas’s side as they finally broke down a spirited Sheriff side to win 2-1 at White Hart Lane.

Lamela tucked away the first goal 15 minutes into the second half, before being tripped inside the box moments later to give Defoe a chance to make history from 12 yards. The England striker converted the penalty to claim his 23rd European goal for the club, one more than Martin Chivers managed during his time at White Hart Lane. Sheriff’s Ismail Isa hit back on 72 minutes but it wasn’t enough.

“To go top of the list I’m delighted,” said Defoe. “I was confident, what an opportunity to do it.”