A Jermain Defoe brace has helped Tottenham Hotspur to three easy points against West Ham United.

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Defoe had the first chance of the game after three minutes, but put his effort high and wide after being played through by Clint Dempsey.

Jussi Jaaskelainen saved comfortably from Defoe before Gareth Bale struck the bar with a 25-yard effort after 11 minutes.

Spurs continued to control the possession but both sides were struggling to create any real chances.

Hugo Lloris had to divert a Winston Reid flick-on for a corner with 10 minutes of the half remaining, but West Ham could not break through a solid Spurs defence.

Then, a minute before the half-time whistle, Defoe netted a superb solo goal to give Spurs the lead.

Spurs came out strongly in the second half, with Bale going close on 47 minutes with a dipping half-volley.

Lloris showed good bravery to gather the ball from the feet of Matt Jarvis following a Kevin Nolan cutback, before Spurs rattled the crossbar at the other end through Dempsey.

A minute later, however, and Spurs were 2-0 up. Dempsey clipped the ball through to Bale, who took a touch before rolling in off the post.

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In the 64th minute it was game over. Defoe notched his second of the game after Aaron Lennon burst into the box and squared to him.

West Ham did manage a consolation goal with eight minutes left courtesy of Andy Carroll, but Spurs ran out 3-1 winners.