James Maddison has continued his sparkling start to life at Tottenham with a goal in a 2-0 win at Bournemouth that leaves Ange Postecoglou’s side unbeaten at the top of the English Premier League.
They are on seven points after three games, alongside London neighbours West Ham and Arsenal at the head of the table.
Spurs have an identical goal difference to West Ham – 3-1 winners over previously unbeaten Brighton on Saturday – who take top place by virtue of having scored one more.
Maddison has been at the heart of the good vibes that have returned to Tottenham under Postecoglou, despite the sale of record scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, and the Australian coach insisted on Saturday there is much more to come from the 26-year-old England star.
One reporter asked Postecoglou whether the Sterling 45 million ($A88.4 million) Maddison could turn out to be the ‘bargain’ of the summer.
“A £45million bargain. I don’t know what world you live in,” the former Celtic and Socceroos boss shot back.
“But I know what you mean, relatively so. There wasn’t anyone happier than me when we got him. I was delighted.
“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but I’m overjoyed at the footballer I’ve got.”
Brazilian striker Richarlison missed two good chances, both provided by Maddison, before Spurs wrapped up victory midway lust past the hour mark through Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by 10-man Fulham, who had Calvin Bassey sent off late on.
Joao Palhinha struck in the 87th minute to pinch a point for the visiting Cottagers.
Andreas Pereira had put Fulham ahead in the first minute before two goals in 120 seconds – a penalty from Bukayo Saka and a strike from substitute Eddie Nketiah – appeared to put the Gunners in control.
Manchester United trailed 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest inside the opening five minutes but hit back to win 3-2 thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Joachim Andersen’s equaliser secured Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw at unbeaten Brentford, who had gone ahead through a first-half stunner from Kevin Schade.
Brighton’s 100 per cent record came to an end when they were beaten 3-1 at home by West Ham.
Goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio had the Hammers 3-0 ahead by the 63rd minute, before Pascal Gross grabbed a late consolation for Brighton.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
"And through it all, we play the way we want to, With Big Ange Postecoglou, whether it's right or wrong, It's Big Ange Ball, you can keep your Pochettino, Conte and Mourinho, and even Christian Gross, cos everywhere we go, do do do do do, I'm Loving Big Ange instead" What a banger. Loving the Ange revolution at Spurs.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Ange leaves English football legends in stitches after aiming apparent dig at Gary Neville. - Keep Up article (& video clip). Basically, Neville’s rather catty about Ange’s inverted full-backs, calling his tactics “ineffective”, trying to mirror Guardiola’s success. Big mistake. Ange goes on TV & slyly says: “I’m just copying Pep, mate.” Oh, feel the burn, Neville.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
I know it's a big ask and probably a pipe dream, but imagine if Ange and the Spurs lads manage to knock over City. I would be crowing from the rooftops, it will be brilliant for football. And if you listen to post-match interviews, the Spurs lads are signed up to Ange's game plan, they want to be part of it. And in other news, apparently the Man Utd fans refused to leave Old Trafford. They want the Glazers strung up from the highest tree. I think it was documented that at one point the Glazers were taking up to 1 Billion pounds worth of profit out of Utd for investment into their NFL team, the Green Bay Packers. No wonder they want the Glazers heads on pikes a plattter
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Spurs going well so far.