Spurs easily overcome Anzhi Makhachkala

Tottenham overcame cold conditions to maintain their billing as the Europa League’s top contender thanks to a confident victory on Thursday, when a goalkeeping gaffe sparked Valencia to their first win.

Tottenham, the English Premier League club which has spent heavily this offseason and sold Gareth Bale, were not the only team to make it two-for-two in wins: Genk, Fiorentina, Eintracht Frankfurt, Rubin Kazan, Sevilla, Swansea, Salzburg, and Ludogorets Razgrad were also perfect.

Also, Sergio Floccari capped a frenetic contest with a flourish of goals as the Lazio substitute scored late to force a 3-3 draw at Trabzonspor, while Wigan picked up its first ever European victory.

Jermain Defoe and Nacer Chadli scored first-half goals to help Tottenham to a 2-0 win against Anji Makhachkala in near freezing temperatures on the outskirts of Moscow, with the conflict in Dagestan forcing the once money-laden club away from home.

Tottenham manager Andres Villas-Boas rotated his squad and the strong performance showed how deep the squad is, although it was left to old hand Defoe to steer the visitors with his 21st goal in European competitions - scored in the 34th minute - moving him within one goal of Martin Chivers’ club record.

While Anzi showed some resilience, the fall from grace for the cash-strapped club was evident as Tottenham kept a second straight clean sheet.