Soldado ends goal drought with hat-trick in Spurs win

Roberto Soldado ended his recent barren run with a hat-trick in Tottenham's 4-1 Group K win over Anzhi Makhachkala at White Hart Lane.The Spanish forward - a £25 million signing from Valencia - had not scored for Andre Villas-Boas's side since the end of October, but justified his return to the first team with an eye-catching performance.He netted twice in the opening 16 minutes before converting a penalty 20 minutes from time after substitute Ryan Fredericks was deemed to have been fouled in the Anzhi penalty area.It was Soldado's first treble since October 23 2012 when he helped himself to three for Valencia against BATE Borisov in the Champions League.Lewis Holtby scored Tottenham's other goal nine minutes after the break from an Andros Townsend cross in an accomplished outing that saw the Russian side outlclassed despite Ewerton's goal giving them hope in trailing 2-1 at half-time.Tottenham had already finalised their place in the last 32 of the tournament, but progress as group winners with a perfect record of 18 points from six matches.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)ANN.Az