Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas praises Aaron Lennon after display against Reading

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas praised his unsung hero - England winger Aaron Lennon - as Spurs moved up to third in the Premier League table by beating Reading 3-1.

Lennon enjoyed another excellent game, including setting up Tottenham's second goal for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Villas-Boas said: "We did well to close out the festive period with ten points from four games and hopefully we will continue this form to put ourselves in the position we want to be.

"Aaron Lennon is such a magnificent player and sometimes he does not get the recognition he deserves but his form has been extraordinary. He has been magnificent for us, scoring goals, like last week, and is such a good player."

Lennon had plenty of back-up from England colleagues, too. Full-back Kyle Walker was also a constant threat for Spurs in attack and solid in defence. In fact the combination of Walker and Lennon playing in front of him on the right-wing is a lethal pairing of pace and ability for Spurs.

Scott Parker was a late substitute and he displayed the typical level of commitment we have come to expect from the deep-lying midfielder. Since returning from injury Parker has made a handful of substitute appearances and is slowly but surely getting back to his best.

Jermain Defoe worked tirelessly up front for Spurs although he failed to get on the scoresheet, the England striker created chances for his team-mates and constantly harried the Reading backline.

Elsewhere, England goalkeeper Joe Hart made two excellent saves as Man City beat Stoke 3-0. James Milner helped set up the opening goal with Gareth Barry also impressive in midfield. Joleon Lescott started the match in central defence for City while Ryan Shawcross occupied the same position for Stoke.

At Wigan, Man United cruised to a 4-0 victory with two goals each from Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez. The team also featured England's Ashley Young and Michael Carrick, who were both subbed in the second half to keep them fresh for forthcoming fixtures. Defender Rio Ferdinand was also substituted early, while Danny Welbeck claimed an assist for van Persie's second goal.

At Upton Park, Mark Noble scored a penalty as West Ham earned a vital 2-1 victory over Norwich City; and in Wales, former England Under-21 international Wayne Routledge continued his impressive form as he scored in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Danny Graham's last-minute goal earned a point for the Swans.

In the late game, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both returned to the club where they made their professional breakthroughs - Southampton.

Both Arsenal men received an ovation from the home fans before kick-off and both were heavily involved in the game, which ended 1-1 and also featured Kieran Gibbs at left-back for the Gunners.

After Gaston Ramirez put Southampton ahead in the first half, Walcott set up an equaliser when his cross was turned into the net for an own goal by Guly Do Prado.

Southampton's 17-year-old left-back Luke Shaw could be the next England senior international off the Saints conveyor belt of talent. He enjoyed an impressive game at St Mary's as Saints moved out of the relegation zone.