Defoe and youngster Jake Livermore were both on the scoresheet for Harry Redknapp's men as they strolled to a result which makes next week's second leg a formality.

Defoe told ITV4: "It's a big season for everyone. We're looking at getting into that top four and tonight was the first game of the season. It was important to be professional and we've done that.

"We knew it would be a difficult game and the atmosphere was fantastic but it was important for us to set a tempo. In the first half our movement was fantastic. We did what we did all week in training and got the goals."

Livermore was starting his second first-team game for the club and admitted he hoped his performance had done his prospects no harm.

He said: "We've got a big squad with quality throughout but hopefully I can get my chance like I did tonight and take it."

Redknapp was happy with his night's work, with Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon also netting.

The Spurs manager told ITV4: "We were expecting a tough game - it's an intimidating place to come - but we started well and passed the ball great.

"There was great movement everywhere, I couldn't have asked for more. It was excellent.

"Jake did well and Andros (Townsend) came on and did well. It was good for them to get a chance to play and hopefully we can keep doing that in the competition.

"It's one game and you can't get carried away - it'll be different on Monday night at Old Trafford, that's for sure."

On a potential deal for Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Redknapp added: "The chairman (Daniel Levy) deals with that - if anything's going to happen he'll ring and tell me."