Tottenham find five gladiators as Yves Bissouma blushes spared in hard-fought Luton win
Tottenham battled their way to a narrow Premier League win over Luton at Kenilworth Road
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At the start of the season, not many had Tottenham down as contenders to win the Premier League title.
However, after a narrow 1-0 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road, Ange Postecoglou's side may just be in the discussion.
This wasn't Tottenham at their swashbuckling, scintillating best.
The win over Luton also wasn't nearly as dramatic as their gritty 2-1 victory over Liverpool seven days ago.
Tottenham star Micky van de Ven celebrates his goal in Luton Premier League win
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But Tottenham won't care. It's another three points in the bank - and the sky seems to be the limit for the north London side.
By beating Luton they have enjoyed their best start to the season since they last won the league title.
That was all the way back in 1961.
Fast-forward to now and Tottenham seem to be a team capable of lasting the course, even if rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will try and do their utmost to stop that from happening.
And Postecoglou found three players were up for the occasion as they continued their unbeaten start to the league season.
First, defender Micky van de Ven.
The centre-back has already become a firm fans favourite following his arrival from Wolfsburg back in the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international was solid at the back, a calming presence even if Luton attempted to cause a storm.
He took his goal well from close range, netting his first for the club in the process.
And his composure was certainly much-needed as Luton mounted an onslaught in the closing stages of the match.
Van der Ven's goal would not, however, have been achieved without the brilliance of James Maddison.
Another summer signing, the England international has been nothing short of sensational since touching down from Leicester.
Maddison was magnificent in the build-up to Van de Ven's goal, with his mazy run followed be a perfect pass.
His team-mate then duly did the rest.
Others who deserve credit include Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Pape Sarr.
Adjusting to life in the Premier League for goalkeepers is certainly no easy task.
Just ask Andre Onana, who has toiled for Manchester United since his move from Serie A giants Inter Milan.
But Vicario, who signed for a fraction of the price, already seems to be the real deal between the sticks.
He came for crosses, despite Luton doing everything possible to intercept them with their obvious physicality.
And he also pulled off a fine save from Carlton Morris to keep the hosts at bay while marshalling the troops in front of him, with Romero and Sarr also sparkling during the win with strong, energetic performances.
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James Maddison sparkled for Tottenham again as they beat Luton in their Premier League clash
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One player who can count themselves lucky is Yves Bissouma.
The former Brighton star was sent off in the closing stages of the first half after diving, having picked up a yellow card mere moments earlier.
Tottenham will have to do without Bissouma when they face Fulham after the international break.
For now, however, they can savour the moment.
Tottenham are top. That's all that matters.
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