IF only Tottenham could reproduce their Cup form in the Premiership, they would probably have already been crowned champions.

The tally of 26 goals scored and just four conceded in eight Worthington and FA Cup games is an incredible record but, when put side to side with the 3-1 and 1-0 league defeats last week to Newcastle and Derby respectively, it shows that Spurs still have a long way to go until they can really challenge for the top domestic and European honours.

Lilywhite fans were in for a treat on Tuesday, though, as Spurs tore poor Bolton Wanderers apart, increasing the number of goals scored against the northeners to 13 this season. Really, the score should have been a repeat of the 6-0 mauling in the Worthington Cup, as Tottenham were totally in control from the start, and it was only because of some astounding goalkeeping from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal that Gus Poyet and Steffen Iversen were not able to embarass the visitors further.

The goals were scored by the resurgent Darren Anderton from the penalty spot, Steffen Iversen with his third goal in four games, the sparkling youngster Matthew Etherington and yet another own goal for the unfortunate Anthony Barness.

However, Tuesday night saw a different team to the one that took the field at Pride Park for a noon kick-off on Saturday. Perhaps the early start was too much for Spurs, who looked lethargic and short on ideas and never really threatened the Rams' goal. Derby did take the game by storm, though, for John Gregory's first game in charge, and approached the game like a cup final. If Tottenham had done the same, perhaps there would have been a very different result.

After Saturday's game, Glenn Hoddle was adamant that the cups were not a distraction to the team. He said: "We can turn the corner if we keep turning in decent performances. It is a very tight league this year and every team is going to have a battle to get points."

Following the game against Bolton, Hoddle was clear about the player who made the difference. He said: "Darren [Anderton] is at the very height of his form and at 29 is in his peak. He's got a great engine and is now a good all-round player, he really is, and is working hard for the team."

He added: "We were clinical and had a nice balance at the back.

"I'm delighted to be through and we've now got a good home game against Tranmere to look forward to."

The FA Cup fifth round will be on Sunday, February 17, kicking off at 4pm, but before that Spurs have a chance to rekindle their league form against struggling Leicester City at White Hart Lane on Saturday.