After previously winning just one out of 11 matches at Wembley, Tottenham picked a good time to arrest their run of disappointing results at the national stadium as they got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.
Solo goals from Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane sandwiched a 20-yard strike from Andriy Yarmolenko inside the first 15 minutes against Borussia Dortmund -- and Kane then struck the killer blow on the hour mark to secure an invaluable 3-1 victory.
Jan Vertonghen was sent off late, but Spurs have already landed a heavy blow in the fight for qualification from Group H.
By beating the Bundesliga leaders, they have immediately established a three-point lead over the side most likely to challenge them for a top-two spot alongside reigning European champions Real Madrid.
Positives
Serge Aurier looked at home on the right flank on his debut, while Davinson Sanchez came through a far tougher test than Saturday's comfortable 3-0 victory at Everton.
Unusually, Spurs spent most of the game without the ball -- they had less than one-third of the possession -- but they adjusted their typical game plan and hit Dortmund on the break instead.
It was a mature performance which allowed the usual stars to shine, with Christian Eriksen and Kane showing their class, while Son ensured that the suspended Dele Alli was not missed.
Negatives
Spurs will be without Vertonghen as well as Alli for their next European match against Apoel Nicosia in Cyprus. The Belgian was harshly shown a second yellow card when he accidentally caught Mario Gotze with a swinging arm.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- The Argentine planned ahead by resting Mousa Dembele and Son against Everton on Saturday, and he reaped the rewards against Dortmund. He picked a sensible lineup and opted for pragmatism over ideals as the visitors dominated possession, recognising this was an occasion when his side would have to play in a different way to his preferred philosophy. Like his players, he adjusted to the demands of the Champions League.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 8 -- Powerless to stop Yarmolenko's accurate strike and made a good save in the second half while coming off his line quickly to intercept a few through balls.
DF Toby Alderweireld, 8 -- Communicated well with Sanchez and Aurier, and defended immaculately as Spurs repeatedly repelled their talented visitors, making a particularly good sliding intervention to block a low first-half cross.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 8 -- Started the move for the opening goal with an interception and, although he gave the ball away on the halfway line at one point, the 21-year-old recruit passed another test.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 -- Defended superbly, especially when he made a goal-saving challenge at the far post on the half-hour mark. His passing was intelligent too and his dismissal looked unfair.
DF Serge Aurier, 8 -- Showed his experience in his own half while contributing to attacks when possible, playing a good through ball to Son and a couple of simple but useful passes down the line. His crossing was just a bit rusty.
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DF Ben Davies, 8 -- Had to keep a close eye on Yarmolenko's movement and he tracked his runners diligently, positioning himself well, getting important touches and making effective blocks. At the other end he forced a low save with a good strike.
MF Eric Dier, 8 -- Covered lots of ground and was unlucky to be penalised for a couple of fair-looking challenges. He used the ball simply but effectively too.
MF Mousa Dembele, 8 -- Saw less of the ball than usual but helped to protect the defence and was involved in the neat passing move that created Kane's second goal.
MF Son Heung-Min, 8 -- Gave Spurs the perfect start, backing himself when he got a chance to attack the box in the fourth minute and finishing cooly. He continued to cause problems throughout with his speed and movement.
MF Christian Eriksen, 9 -- Ensured Tottenham made the most of their time with the ball, turning counter-attacks into chances. The Dane set up Kane's second goal -- his fourth assist of the season already -- and gave him two other chances as well in the second half.
FW Harry Kane, 9 -- Freed Son for the opening goal and then scored twice himself. The first showed off his range of attributes -- strength, pace and accuracy -- and he has now scored six goals in four matches for club and country. Kane also attacked down the channels to create chances for others.
Substitutes
MF Moussa Sissoko, N/A -- Replaced Son with seven minutes left and got in behind the Dortmund defence but shot wide under pressure.
FW Fernando Llorente, N/A -- Made his first appearance for his new club with a brief cameo at the end, coming on instead of Kane to provide some fresh legs for the final moment.
Source: espn.co.uk