A Darren Bent hat-trick ensured Tottenham claimed all three points in their UEFA Cup Group D game against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb. Harry Redknapp's men ran out 4-0 winners at White Hart Lane to ensure they won their first game of the competition this season. Tom Huddlestone bagged the other goal for Spurs but it was Darren Bent who stole the headlines.At Eastlands, Mark Hughes' Manchester City won 3-2 in their opening Group A game against Steve McClaren's FC Twente. The Dutch side could easily of claimed a point from the game but goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips, Robinho and Benjani ensured City won the game. Eljero Elia and Rob Wielaert got the goals for the visitors on the night.
Aston Villa ensured it was a great night for English clubs in the competition. They beat Slavia Prague 1-0 in the Czech Republic with Steve Sidwell grabbing the only goal of the night for Martin O'Neill's men. The home side really made Villa work for all three points but in the end the visitors held out for the victory.
Terrific night for English football. All three sides fully deserved their victories and these wins should hopefully put all of them in a great position to qualify from. With both Spurs and City winning tonight it certainly makes for a cracking game at the City of Manchester on Sunday, where the sides meet.
