Jermain Defoe believes Tottenham Hotspur's season is finally under way in earnest after he scored twice in yesterday's 3-1 win at Reading.
Defoe put Tottenham ahead in the first half before two goals in three second-half minutes secured a first win under the new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
First Gareth Bale's fortuitous shot looped over Alex McCarthy to put Tottenham 2-0 up and Defoe secured victory for the Londoners after a mazy dribble.
Hal Robson-Kanu scored a late consolation for the hosts, but the Royals were second best to Spurs throughout.
Disappointing results against West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City had seen the pressure mount on Villas-Boas just weeks into his tenure, but Defoe believes the club are finally showing their true colours.
"New managers come into football clubs and sometimes it takes time," Defoe told Sky Sports 1.
"People just think instantly they're going to be unbelievable, but sometimes it takes time.
"I'm sure today the fans are happy and everyone that's been doubting us they can hopefully look at us and see that we can do well this season. Our season will start now."
Defoe could have added a third to complete his hat-trick but he was content with the three points nevertheless. "It would have been nice to have got the match ball, but to score two and help my team win is fantastic," he said.
Villas-Boas welcomed the three points, which came after his side spurned one-goal leads to draw their last two league outings.
"We've been chasing this win for quite some time and it's important for everybody," the Portuguese told Sky Sports 1. "Hopefully we can shoot on from now on.
"We could have gone 2-0 up a little bit earlier as we looked bright and confident and played very, very good football."
Villas-Boas was delighted with the performance of Defoe, who also netted for England during the international break.
"I'm happy for Defoe to find the back of the net again. Three goals in the Premier League shows the goalscorer that he is," he said.
"And I'm happy for the team in general. They were very committed to getting our first win. Hopefully this can give us a build up for the future."
Brian McDermott, the Reading manager, conceded his side had been second best throughout.
"The second goal killed us really. We came up against a top-class side today and they played well. They deserved to win," he said.
"We have to move on very, very quickly - you have to do that in this league."
* Press Association
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
