Toby Alderweireld strengthened his case for signing of the season by adding a goal to another rock-solid defensive display as Tottenham Hotspur steamrollered West Ham United at White Hart Lane.
SEE MORE: Kyle Walker goal video: Majestic outside-of-boot finish caps Tottenham’s derby rout
The Belgian’s intelligent movement left Winston Reid dizzy in the Hammers box as he met Christian Eriksen’s corner with a thumping near-post header for Tottenham’s second in a 4-1 victory.
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Alderweireld, signed from Atletico Madrid under the noses of Southampton for £11.4m in the summer – fee reported by The Guardian – has been a big difference-maker for Mauricio Pochettino’s side this term.
His partnership with compatriot Jan Vertonghen – the two have played every minute of every Premier League game together – has helped Tottenham to one of the best defensive records in the division.
The Londoners have conceded only 11 goals in 13 league games this season. That is a five-goal improvement on the same stage last campaign, and only Manchester United have let in fewer.
And his derby goal highlights another of Alderweireld’s great attributes – how hungry he is to attack the ball in the air. He now has two goals for the season after netting in the 4-1 win over Manchester City.
Harry Kane was on the scoresheet either side of Alderweireld’s header, and Kyle Walker added a late fourth this afternoon as Spurs climbed to within two points of fourth-place Arsenal in the table.
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