Tottenham Hotspur opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace as their unbeaten start to the season continued on Friday.
It's Tottenham's biggest lead at the head of England's top division since the closing day of the 1961 season, when they won the title.
Players of Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in action during a Premier League match in London, UK, October 27, 2023. /CFP
Ange Postecoglou's side were matched by London rivals Palace throughout an even opening period but took charge once a Joel Ward own goal gave them the lead shortly after the break.
Spurs captain Son Heung-min then tapped in his eighth league goal of the season after 66 minutes to effectively seal the points and the visitors were in cruise control until Jordan Ayew struck in stoppage time for Palace. James Maddison was involved in both goals, with the former Leicester City player again outstanding for the visitors.
Postecoglou was critical of his side after their 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday, but apart from a tricky opening few minutes and some late jitters they were dominant at Palace.
With 26 points, Tottenham have won eight out of the 10 matches played and are five points clear of champions Manchester City, while shot-shy Palace are now in 11th place with 12 points.
Elsewhere in Europe, Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera scored a last-gasp goal to snatch a 1-0 home win over Celta Vigo that took his side into provisional top spot in LaLiga.
Girona had emerged as the season's unexpected success story so far, with only one loss, and needed only a draw to go top. They now have 28 points and stand three ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who on Saturday visit a Barcelona side in third spot with 24 points.
(With input from Reuters)