Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Jermain Defoe can go on to be the Premier League’s top scorer after he notched five against Wigan.

Spurs thrashed Wigan 9-1 at White Hart lane, with Defoe’s haul taking him to top of the scoring table with 11 goals.

"I don’t see why Defoe can’t be the top scorer in the Premier League this season," said Redknapp.

"It’s about time he scored 20 goals in a season. He’s been so sharp in training – you could see this coming."

Defoe scored the first three of his goals in a seven-minute burst shortly after half-time as Spurs turned a 1-0 lead at the break into the second heaviest margin of victory in the Premier League.

I feel for Roberto Martinez – it is not easy for him standing there watching that and seeing the goals fly in name here

It was also Defoe’s second hat-trick of the Premier League season and Tottenham’s biggest win in 32 years.

The 27-year-old striker missed three games after he was sent-off for stamping against Portsmouth on 17 October.

But he is keen to underline his case to be included in Fabio Capello’s England World Cup squad.

"The England manager will have watched the red card against Pompey and Defoe can’t react that way," added Redknapp.

"But he’s come back strong. When he concentrates and plays his football, he can be unstoppable."

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Defoe notched his final goal after 87 minutes and joins Andy Cole and Alan Shearer as players who have scored five in a Premier League fixture.

"Even when I got the fifth I wanted another and another," said Defoe.

"I was still looking for more. I think you have to be that way. I was definitely in the zone.

"Now it is important for me to keep my head and to go back to training and focus on the next game."

Aaron Lennon returned to the Tottenham side after an ankle injury, creating four goals and scoring another with a commanding performance on the right wing.

"Lennon is a fantastic talent with his pace and everything else," added the Spurs boss.

"Wigan full-back Erik Edman is a great player and had a difficult day with Aaron, but then anyone would have had a difficult day with him."

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I was looking for more – Defoe

Peter Crouch, Lennon and Niko Kranjcar were also on the scoresheet, while a free-kick from substitute David Bentley went in off Latics keeper Chris Kirkland.

The result moved Tottenham up to fourth in the Premier League table, level on points with Arsenal.

"It is nice to have 25 points on the board at this stage of the season," said Redknapp, who suffered a 9-0 defeat to Lincoln on his debut as Bournemouth manager.

"It is almost a two points per game average. We are playing well and have good players and there is good competition for places.

"Robbie Keane didn’t play against Wigan and was on the bench along with Roman Pavlyuchenko.

"We have good players playing at the top of their form and showing a good attitude to the game."

Wigan’s goal was scored by Paul Scharner and made the score 3-1, though Tottenham’s players felt the Austrian had committed a handball as he controlled a cross.

"It was as blatant as Thierry Henry’s handball," said Redknapp.

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Redknapp praises ‘top-class’ Spurs

"I haven’t even seen a replay. If he could have controlled it with his body, he would have done and I’m surprised the referee didn’t spot it. I can’t believe he missed it."

Redknapp stressed that he had been careful not to celebrate too much out of respect for Latics boss Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard is in his first season of Premier League management after previously guiding Swansea from League One to the Championship.

"I feel for Roberto – it is not easy for him standing there watching that and seeing the goals fly in," said the Spurs boss

"All you want is final whistle to go. You just want to get out of there."

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