Defoe hails team effort

Jermain Defoe felt Tottenham's all round performance against Wigan was the best he has seen from Harry Redknapp's side.

Spurs demolished the hapless Latics 9-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday to climb back into the Premier League's top four.

Defoe was the star of the show as he bagged five second half goals to underline Tottenham's dominance.

The England man will undoubtedly steal the headlines after his awesome showing, but he was quick to point out that the result was only possible as everyone in the team performed to their best.

"It's probably the best (game I have been involved in), not just because of the result, but because of the performance," Defoe told Sky Sports.

"It was important to get off to a good start, and keep the intensity high. I thought the two midfielders, Tommo (Huddlestone) and Wilson (Palacios), were fantastic, as were the whole team.

"For the forwards that makes it easier, because you only have to make sure your movement is good."

History

Defoe becomes only the third man to find the target five times in a Premier League fixture, following in the footsteps of Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, but he admits he had his eye on a sixth and a bit of history of his own.

"To be honest, I was," he added.

"I looked up and there was about another 15 minutes left, so I thought I'm going to get chances. It did cross my mind if I could get another one.

"I had another chance I was disappointed with, I think (Emmerson) Boyce got back and made a good challenge, but you can't complain with five goals."