Generation games

At Upton Park, West Ham played host to another former Premiership side, Bradford, in their first match since the departure of Glenn Roeder last weekend. After defeat in Yorkshire to Rotherham on Saturday, a 1-0 victory sent the Hammers back to within two points of the top spot of division one. And it was a glorious effort from England Under-21 Defoe that gave the 30,000 fans in East London something to cheer about and hand Trevor Brooking the three points as he steers the Iron's ship on a temporary basis. Just after the half hour mark, Defoe collected the ball out on the left. Cutting inside, he made easy work of the Bradford defenders aiming challenges his way before letting go with a fierce drive that found the far corner of Mark Paston's net and prompted Brooking to coo over his number one striker.

"Jermain scored a goal no other player, First Division or Premiership, would have scored. "Take Defoe out and I think it was a pretty even game. "He has every right to be frustrated after seeing his mates sold in the summer, but his attitude has been excellent. He's not going anywhere." On the south coast, one of Brooking's predecessors in the Hammers hot seat, Harry Redknapp, saw his Portsmouth team take top spot in the Premiership - only three games into their first-ever season there - and it was two of their most experienced players who helped them to a 4-0 romp over Bolton.

Former England midfielder Steve Stone put Pompey one up three minutes into the second half before Teddy Sheringham bagged himself a 33-minute hat trick. The man released by Spurs in the summer scored his first in the 57th minute converting a cross from the Croatian Boris Zivkovic with a powerful header. After linking with Stone with two minutes to go, the skipper steered home his second from a neat pass from the ex-Forest and Villa player before taking centre stage as Trotters' defender Ivan Campo felled Vincent Pericard inside the box. Sheringham - who has 51 caps for the Three Lions - stepped up to the penalty spot in the final minute and made it four nil claiming the match ball in the process.

"It was a great hat-trick and I always knew he'd keep scoring goals in the Premiership." admitted Redknapp after the game. "Teddy is the top man. He lives right, trains right and looks after himself. He's an example to everybody and is doing the same sort of job that Paul Merson did for us last season. "He's one of eight free transfers we have got here. They are cast-offs by their previous clubs who didn't think they could still perform at the top level. "But we've given them the opportunity and they're still showing what they can do. He added: "We have all, as managers, let players go too early in our time - but I'm just glad we are feeling the benefit now.

Jermain Defoe Stats

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Beckton, London
Date of Birth: 7 October 1982
Weight: 10 04
Height: 5' 7''
Club: West Ham United
Position: Forward

Teddy Sheringham Stats

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Highams Park, London
Date of Birth: 2 April 1966
Weight: 12 05
Height: 5' 11''
Club: Portsmouth
Position: Forward