Tottenham Hotspur maintained their chances of a top-four finish on Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.
The visitors took the lead through Christian Eriksen's perfectly-executed free kick on seven minutes, while Harry Kane fired the ball past Ben Foster to make it 2-0 just six minutes later.
Spurs then sealed the points midway through the second half when Kane scored from the penalty spot, taking his tally to 20 goals for the season.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at The Hawthorns.
Match statistics
WEST BROM
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 37%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 8
SPURS
Shots: 14
On target: 4
Possession: 63%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
There is no doubt that Spurs deserved the victory. The visitors were superior throughout the contest and could even have finished with more goals to their name. West Brom showed what they are capable of in fits and starts, but they did not do enough to truly trouble their opponents.
West Brom's performance
The Baggies were well below the standards that Tony Pulis expects of them and they were punished with a chastening defeat on home turf. The hosts got off to a disastrous start, conceding twice inside the opening 13 minutes, and they struggled to recover after that. It was in defence and midfield where they really failed to make an impact, with a lack of organisation in those areas evident from the first whistle. Spurs were granted far too much time and space in key positions, and they made the most of it. There was some encouragement for the hosts in the form of Saido Berahino and Victor Anichebe's link-up play up front, but these moments were few and far between. Based on this showing, West Brom have plenty of work to do if they want to drag themselves away from the drop zone.
Tottenham's performance
The visitors can be very pleased with their display at The Hawthorns as they outplayed and outclassed West Brom to earn the three points. They could not have dreamed of a better start, but what was equally as impressive was how they remained hungry after that. They defended solidly when they needed to, while there was plenty of drive and determination from midfield. As usual, Eriksen pulled the strings in the number-10 role, and Kane posed a constant threat in the final third with his movement, pace and clinical eye for goal. Spurs have been accused of being a lop-sided team in recent seasons, but this was a refreshingly complete showing from Mauricio Pochettino's men.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Harry Kane: The Spurs striker looked as good as ever, terrorising the West Brom defence with his play in the final third. He took his first goal brilliantly, while his second from the penalty spot was struck with supreme confidence. Kane also proved once again how valuable he is to Tottenham's overall cause; running continuously and never resting on his laurels.
Biggest gaffe
More of a collective gaffe rather than an individual one, West Brom were all at sea for Tottenham's second goal. The Baggies stood off Moussa Dembele on the edge of the box, allowing him to pick out Kane, who found the net. The hosts were slow out of the traps and this was an example of their lack of focus during those costly early moments of the game.
Referee performance
Kevin Friend has a solid afternoon in the middle. He allowed the game to flow, which made for an entertaining encounter when both teams went on the attack. There were one or two minor decisions that he got wrong, though these were not glaring errors on his part. His biggest decision was for the penalty, and he got that one right as Joleon Lescott handled Kyle Walker's cross.
What next?
West Brom: The Baggies continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday with a trip to fellow strugglers Burnley.
Tottenham: Spurs are back in action next Saturday when they welcome local rivals Arsenal to White Hart Lane.
Jack Prescott
