Afternoon all! Well, what a weekend of Premier League football it has been thus far. Manchester City and Manchester United were both victorious yesterday, while Aston Villa recorded a sensational win at Anfield. The result of the weekend must go to Queens Park Rangers, however, who picked up their first three points of the season against Fulham. But now our focus switches to north London with two of the in-form teams in the league meeting at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham’s recent winning run in the league was ended by Everton last weekend, but it was a freak loss for Andre Villas-Boas’ side after conceding two goals in stoppage time at the end of the match. Impressive wins over Fulham, Liverpool and West Ham United in recent weeks, however, has lifted the early gloom at the beginning of the season.

In their way this afternoon, however, is a Swansea side that have arguably played the best football of the season under Michael Laudrup. It had been expected that they would struggle following the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool, but they have gone from strength to strength aided by their astute dealings in the transfer market. In fact they are five points better off after 16 games than they were at this stage last season.

The Welsh outfit have been in stunning form of late with one defeat in a nine-game spell that included matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion. Meanwhile they also booked their spot in the semi-finals of the League Cup in mid-week with a 1-0 success over Middlesbrough. It could be some season for the Swans.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Kyle Naughton is handed a start for Tottenham, but there is no place for Gareth Bale as he continues to recover from injury. Meanwhile, Leon Britton returns for Swansea, but the match has come too soon for Pablo Hernandez, with Nathan Dyer starting in a wide area. Full team news to follow.

Teams:

Tottenham: Lloris; Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Naughton; Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Dempsey; Adebayor, Defoe

Swansea: Tremmel; Tiendalli, Williams, Chico, Davies; Britton, De Guzman, Ki; Dyer, Michu, Routledge

So there we have it. Hugo Lloris continues in goal for the home side, while Emmanuel Adebayor is paired in attack with Jermain Defoe. There is no place in the Swansea team for Danny Graham, but Nathan Dyer is handed a start. Both teams have a series amount of pace in their lineups this afternoon, which points to an open game of football in London.

The joint-top scorer in the Premier League will also be on display this afternoon. Not Jermain Defoe, but Michu, the £2m signing from Rayo Vallecano in the summer. The attacker has netted 12 league goals thus far in a quite stunning start to the season. Meanwhile, fellow Spaniard Pablo Hernandez has also proved to be a wonderful buy, although he is not deemed fit enough to play this afternoon.

Swansea will have certainly have work to do if they are to secure a result this afternoon, however, with Tottenham failing to find the back of the net just once this season. Only Everton have found the target as regularly as Villas-Boas’ side. The north London club have also lost just one of their last seven matches when Moussa Dembele has started. Will he be a lucky omen once more?

Spurs have been vulnerable in the latter stages of matches, however, conceding nine goals in the final 10 minutes and scoring none. Remarkably, if matches ended after 80 minutes then they would be top of the table at this stage of the season. There is no question that they remain a force this season despite their early wobbles.

Meanwhile, as mentioned, Swansea have not won any of their last 14 league matches against Tottenham, picking up just two points in that run of games. They have also failed to win on all six occasions when they have been losing at the interval this season. That said, they have won every game in which they have led at half-time. Will we see a similar pattern in this match or will it go against recent statistics?

Spurs have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League matches at home, however, and therefore they will be keen to tighten up what has been a much-changed defence this season. The fact that both teams have scored in five of Tottenham’s last six games is another indication of how this match may go.

Swansea have enjoyed recent success in London having won three of their five Premier League matches in the capital, scoring seven goals in the process. Their last three points in London came away to Arsenal when two goals from Michu secured the victory. But it was their performance in that match and the way they played Arsenal off the pitch that made the headlines rather than the incredible result.

This afternoon also sees Spurs midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson face his former club, although he starts the match on the bench. The midfielder scored seven goals in 19 appearances for the Welsh outfit on loan last season, but he has managed just two in 21 games for Spurs. But wouldn’t it be just like football if the Icelandic international came on to bag a late winner.

Spurs have struggled with injuries this season and have been unable to name a settled back four or midfield thus far. Injuries to Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Scott Parker have limited their options, while the recent knock to Gareth Bale has also forced him out of this match. Jan Vertonghen has excelled at left-back, but it was left the club short in the middle of the defence with Michael Dawson recalled from the wilderness.

That said, Tottenham have developed well this season and with matches against Stoke City, Aston Villa and Sunderland to come, Villas-Boas will be keen to cement a place in the top four by the time 2013 rolls around. For me, it will be a battle between Everton and Spurs for the final Champions League spot with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea taking the top three places.

Like Swansea, Spurs also have a striker in form with Jermain Defoe hitting five goals in his last five games for the club. He is joined in attack by Emmanuel Adebayor this afternoon, although the jury remains very much out on whether the two can play together. It worked for a period against Arsenal, until Adebayor got himself sent off. The less said about that the better for Tottenham fans.

Spurs have also lost four of their last seven league matches and six in total this season. That is their most defeats at this stage of the season since the 2008/09 campaign. It would probably be fair to state that the home faithful have not yet warmed to Villas-Boas in the same way that they did with Redknapp, but a run of victories and top four come May would certainly silence the doubters. He could really get the supporters on side this afternoon with three points on this mild day in the capital.

Right, we are just about 10 minutes from kickoff which means it is time for my pre-match prediction. I am expecting goals this afternoon, but I think Spurs will just edge the result on their home patch. In fact I will go even further by saying that Swansea will take the lead before losing 3-2. That score can be backed as high as 25/1 with many reputable bookmakers which could certainly be worth a look!

Here's a quick word from Swansea boss Michael Laudrup on Sky Sports News: "The response after last week's loss against Norwich I got on Wednesday. Now in the league we are up against a very good side. It will be difficult but a good challenge. Leon is very important. He plays it so simple but it's important for our way of playing with one touch. Michu already showed us he can play both roles. He prefers to play second striker but can also play up-front. He has already scored a lot of goals this season."

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff, which is around three minutes away. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, Mike Dean will get the action underway. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action. Let's hope for a cracker.

A quick recap. No Gareth Bale for Tottenham this afternoon, but Emmanuel Adebayor does start alongside Jermain Defoe in attack. Meanwhile, Swansea can call on Leon Britton after a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, but the match has come too soon for Hernandez. Dean blows his whistle and Swansea get us underway on this mild afternoon in London.

Decent start to the match from Swansea with Leon Britton and Jonathan de Guzman enjoying early touches of the ball in midfield. The latter attempts to force it with a pass towards Michu, but the striker cannot collect and Tottenham regain possession with Kyle Naughton.

The majority of the goals for both of these teams have been scored in the second period of matches, but Tottenham have conceded a lot in the final 10 minutes. Again it's good work from the away side as Wayne Routledge collects possession out wide before driving into the box, but his cross is collected by Hugo Lloris.

It really has been an impressive start from the away side with Nathan Dyer and Routledge both enjoying plenty of the ball in the wide areas. The latter attempts to force another cross into the box, but Kyle Walker blocks the danger. It falls for Ki from the resulting set piece but he can only slice wide of the goal.

The groans can be heard from the home faithful as Swansea continue to dominate possession of the ball. It is incredible how accomplished they are for a team relatively new to Premier League football. However, they have been unable to find that elusive final pass thus far with Lloris comfortable in dealing with the early danger.

First real attacking piece of action for Tottenham as Adebayor combines with Clint Dempsey in the penalty area, but the former is just squeezed out in the area by Chico. Swansea gain possession once more with Britton, bit his searching pass towards Dyer is just too long. It has been a confident start from the away side.

Penalty shout for the home side as Defoe strikes an effort at Ashley Williams from close range, but the referee shakes his head and replays have confirmed that the correct decision was made. The rebound fell for Defoe in the penalty area, but his cross was cleared by Chico. Better from Spurs in the last couple of minutes as Dempsey begins to pass and probe around the edge of the box.

Half-chance for Defoe as the England striker drives into the penalty area before evading the challenge of Chico and shooting at goal, but Tremmel is on hand to collect the danger and set up a counter attack for the Welsh outfit. It is such an open game at the moment with both teams playing high defensive lines.

CHANCE! Another opportunity comes to the home side as Michu loses out to Defoe on the edge of the area, but the Spaniard gets back to make a fine challenge to deny Defoe a certain goal. That is a wonderful recovery from the joint-top scorer in the Premier League. Suddenly the chances are starting to fall for Spurs.

CHANCE! Again Spurs come close to taking the lead as Kyle Naughton fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Chico makes a fine challenge to deny an attempt from Adebayor. Meanwhile, the Welsh outfit give away a free kick just outside the area as Sandro is felled by De Guzman.

The free kick is taken by Kyle Walker, but his effort is straight into the wall. Or straight into the face of Britton to be more exact. That will certainly be a sore one in the morning. Swansea started the match the better, but it has been all Spurs in the last five or so minutes.

The pressure continues from the home side as they force a couple of corners in quick succession, but Adebayor cannot make contact on both occasions. You just get the feeling that Spurs need to score during this period of the match or their supporters could quickly turn if they go behind. In this type of match the first goal is just so crucial.

Another half-chance comes for the home side as Defoe strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Spurs are certainly in the ascendancy, but Swansea have just shut the door in the past few minutes with Ki and Britton marshalling in front of the back four. They have a really nice shape this afternoon.

Swansea are really struggling to get hold of the ball as we approach the mid-point of the first period. Dyer and Routledge have been starved of possession, while Michu has done more work inside his own penalty area. Sandro and Dembele continue to dominate the midfield area and Dempsey comes close with a header, but it is straight at the goalkeeper.

It must be said that there is not a great atmosphere inside the ground this afternoon. The little noise that can be heard is coming from the away supporters with 25 minutes on the clock. Spurs continue to see plenty of the ball, but Swansea are sitting in and absorbing the danger as another attack via Defoe breaks down.

Another half-chance comes to Spurs as Lennon picks up possession on the edge of the Swansea penalty area, but his low shot is blocked by Chico and it just would fall for Adebayor in the penalty area. A rare venture forward for the away side forces a free kick, but Guzman's set piece is headed clear by Vertonghen.

Decent response from Swansea in the past couple of minutes with De Guzman and Britton enjoying more of the ball in midfield. However, Dyer and Routledge have thus far been unable to gain a yard in order to deliver a cross into the waiting Michu. It is a really watchable match as the 30-minute mark approaches.

Another half-chance for Spurs as Walker whips a low cross into the penalty area, but Williams just beats Dempsey to the ball and is able to make the clearance. The pressure continues with and Sandro both having shots from outside the area, but neither really threatens to open the scoring.

CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match for the away side as Tiendalli drives down the right before whipping a wonderful cross into the penalty area, but Routledge just could not make contact and the ball drifts out for a throw. It is a strange match at the moment with Spurs controlling possession, but you don't get the sense that a goal is on its way. Usually that is the cue for the opening goal to go in. I have been known to curse things.

Swansea continue to sit in and absorb the danger with little over 10 minutes of the half remaining. Spurs attempt to pass and probe their way into the penalty area, but time after time the attack breaks down. You can just sense the home crowd's frustrations, but Swansea's gameplan is working thus far.

It is almost like a training exercise at the moment with the Spurs attack attempting to break down the Swansea defence. The away side are repelling the danger, but there is simply no out-ball for them at the moment and the danger is coming straight back. Another free kick is forced by Dempsey, but the delivery from Walker is poor as Lennon is ruled offside.

It's really good work from Michu as the striker runs the channels before winning a corner from Gallas, but the set piece comes to nothing as De Guzman's cross is thumped away by Lennon. Little over five minutes of the half remaining and Swansea have possession of the ball in the Tottenham half.

CHANCE! Again Tottenham come close to opening the scoring as Walker thumps an effort from outside the penalty area, but Tremmel gets everything behind it to clear the danger. The rebound falls for Dempsey, but he cannot get enough power on his header and the goalkeeper collects at the second time of asking.

Half-chance for Swansea as they advance immediately down the other end in the shape of Routledge, the winger finds a good pass towards De Guzman, but his shot is just over the crossbar from outside the box. Tottenham launch another attack of their own, but Lennon can only fire wide of the post from outside the box.

OH MY WORD! Michu almost scores the goal of the season as he latches onto a loose pass from Sandro and strikes an effort from just inside the Spurs half, but it misses the crossbar by a whisker. What confidence from the Spaniard. And why not with 12 league goals to his name this season?! Little over two minutes of the opening half remaining.

Half-chance for Spurs on the stroke of the interval as Britton fells Defoe just outside the penalty area. However, the set piece from Vertonghen is poor and straight into the wall. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play one extra minute at the end of the half.

So there we have it. The two sides enter the break level at White Hart Lane. Spurs have had the better of the possession, but clear chances have been at a premium. Our half-time report courtesy of Liam Apicella can be found here.

Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Tottenham have shaded the possession with 54%, while they have managed seven attempts to Swansea's two. Although it would probably be fair to state that there has not yet been a clear chance to open the scoring.

As it stands Spurs would remain in fifth spot in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Everton. Meanwhile, Swansea would move above Stoke City into ninth spot. You just get the feeling that the longer this match remains 0-0 then the more confidence the Welsh outfit will gain.

Looking ahead to the second period. Spurs only really have Sigurdsson on the bench as an attacking threat. Meanwhile, Swansea could introduce Danny Graham and allow Michu to drop deeper in order to get more involved in the match. It hasn't been the high scoring match that I predicted thus far. Blame me.

Here we go then. Tottenham kick us off in the second period. Here is a statistic courtesy of Infrostrada: "18 of the 23 goals scored at White Hart Lane this season have come in the second half of matches." That is a quite incredible stat. Let's hope it continues to grow in the next 45 minutes of this one.

Decent start to the second period from Swansea as Dyer collects possession before driving into a wide area, but his pass towards Tiendalli finds the defender in an offside position. There have been no changes at the interval for either side. However, I would expect that to change as the second period approaches its latter stages.

Half-chance for Swansea as Routledge fires a cross into the penalty area, but Dyer just cannot make proper contact with his head and it drifts along the box. Defoe advances immediately down the other end, but his effort is blocked once more. End-to-end football at the moment.

It's Swansea that look the most likely to open the scoring in the early stages of the second period as they continue to threaten on the counter attack. However, a rare Spurs sight of goal in the second half comes as Adebayor strikes an effort from inside the box, but Tremmel gets down low to make the save.

Spurs attempt to respond as Naughton collects possession down the other end, but his shot is well wide of the target and it moves out for a throw. It really is end-to-end football at the moment with the pace of Dyer and Routledge causing the home side problems. Meanwhile, the Swansea defence continue to clear the danger.

Another half-chance comes to Spurs as Dembele strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but it takes a deflection on its way wide of the post. Meanwhile, a couple of challenges and free kicks have just threatened to upset the tempo in an untidy last couple of minutes in the second period.

Swansea continue to enjoy more of the play as they break with Ki, but the midfielder just cannot collect and Adebayor gets back to clear the danger. However, the pressure remains form the Welsh side with Michu and Dyer seeing more of the ball. You can just sense the frustration from the home crowd.

CHANCE! Clearest opening of the second period for Spurs as Lennon finds Walker in the penalty area, but the defender gets it horribly wrong and fires wide of the target. What a left off for Swansea. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and the score remains 0-0.

The first change of the match is made by Swansea as De Guzman is replaced by Kemy Agustien. The midfielder has been dogged by injuries this season, but is a brilliant talent. Still no movement on the Spurs defence, although they do not have any attacking options aside from Sigurdsson. Defoe almost gets in again for Spurs, but Williams clears once more.

It still isn't quite happening for Spurs as they continue to huff and puff but the final pass continues to elude them. They do look the side more likely to open the scoring, but the way Swansea are defending they will have to do something special. Meanwhile, the home supporters have lost their voices and it is affecting their team.

Again it's decent work from Routledge as the winger picks up possession for Swansea and picks out Ki just outside the box, but he cannot control and suddenly the chance is gone. It is much more of an even contest in this second period but neither side has really threatened to open the scoring in the past 15 or so minutes.

CHANCE! Typical Defoe as the striker picks up possession outside the penalty area before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Spurs have just been restricted to that type of effort with Swansea continuing to block the danger.

Tottenham make their first change of the match as Sigurdsson replaces Dempsey. The Icelandic scored seven goals on loan at the Welsh outfit last season. Will he haunt his former club in the last 20 or so minutes? This match really could go either way in the final minutes. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action.

Adebayor appears to have a problem here as he hits the deck holding his hamstring. It does not appear that he will be able to continue. His ankle is getting the attention but it was the hamstring that he was holding in the first instance. It happened in a bit of a nothing challenge with Britton.

Adebayor is indeed forced off the pitch with Andros Townsend taking his place on the bench. Not the most attacking of changes but Spurs simply have no attacking options in their squad this afternoon. The match has just lost some of its tempo with little over 15 minutes on the clock.

Swansea make their second change of the match as Luke Moore replaces Ki. Just a sign that the away side think that they can get something on the counter here. Little over 15 minutes of football to play at White Hart Lane.

That is a huge goal in the context of Spurs' season. Villas-Boas looks a relieved man as he watches from the sidelines. But this match is far from over with little over 10 minutes remaining. If Spurs start to sit deeper and deeper than it will invite the pressure.

Swansea continue to knock possession around as we enter the latter stages of the match. However, a loose pass from Britton almost allows Defoe in on goal, but the brilliant Williams is on the cover and clears the danger. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.

Another half-chance for Vertonghen to add his second as he thumps a free kick from outside the penalty area, but Agustien makes the block. The resulting corner is taken by Sigurdsson, but Chico gets up well to clear the danger. Swansea are certainly a threat on the counter here with Michu and Dyer carrying the attack.

Chico took a bit of a knock for Swansea in a challenge with Lennon, but the defender returns to his feet to take part in the final five minutes. Swansea almost force an attempt on goal as Dyer searches out the run of Moore, but it just would not fall for the striker inside the penalty area.

Still Swansea search for the equaliser as they pass and probe in the Tottenham half, but they are really struggling to get Michu involved in the match. It's nice football, but they are going backwards at a time when they need to push forward in search of their opening goal.

Sigurdsson attempts to secure the points for Spurs as he thumps an effort from outside the penalty area, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Swansea make their third change of the match as Danny Graham replaces Dyer for the final two minutes.

Another chance for Spurs to add their second as Defoe drives through on goal, but Tremmel stands up to make a fine save at his near post. It could and perhaps should have been game, set and match. The resulting corner is taken by Sigurdsson, but Flores clears the danger.

Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the end of the match. The groans suddenly erupt around White Hart Lane. Is there another goal in the final stages of this match?

Swansea continue to pass and probe in the Tottenham half, but they cannot find Michu in the Spurs penalty area. A surging run from Ashley Williams almost allows Routledge to collect, but the defender loses the ball and possession is back with the home side.

Not a great deal to report in the final stages of this match. Swansea have enjoyed possession in the last five minutes, but Spurs have been comfortable in dealing with the danger. Meanwhile, Spurs make their final change of the match as Scott Parker makes his return from an Achilles problem in place of Dembele. Little over a minute remaining.

One final chance for Swansea to put the ball into the Spurs penalty area as Defoe fells Britton in challenging for the ball. Little under 20 seconds of football remaining in this one.

Bit of a horror moment here as Michu attempts to beat Lloris to the ball, but the striker is taken out by the goalkeeper. Townsend advances down the other end, but his shot is saved by Tremmel. Swansea are not happy that play was not stopped here.

So there we have it. Controversy at the end of the match, but Spurs pick up all three points to move into fourth position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for La Liga football. Until then!