Antonio Conte declared himself proud of Tottenham's development after they closed in on the Premier League summit by beating Everton 2-0 on Saturday.

The Toffees turned in a stubborn first-half display in Conte's 50th match in charge of Spurs, who were fortunate not to fall behind when Amadou Onana and Demarai Gray squandered glorious chances.

However, Tottenham ultimately came good after the break. An injury to former Everton talisman Richarlison led to Yves Bissouma's introduction, and Spurs' change in shape overwhelmed Everton.

Jordan Pickford's blunder gifted Harry Kane a penalty to break the deadlock, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rounding off the win late on.

Everton failed to muster a single shot in the second half, and did not get one attempt on target all game.

Spurs' win put them level with second-placed Manchester City, who face Liverpool on Sunday, and just one point behind league leaders Arsenal, who travel to Leeds United on the same day.

"We have to be really happy, because we played a good game, created a lot of chances and we had an injury during the game with Richy, for sure this situation could create something negative," Conte told Sky Sports.

"Instead, we found the right solution with three midfielders, I liked the attitude. We started the game very well, maybe in the first half we had to pay more attention because we conceded two counter-attacks, we could do much better, but in the end we deserved the win. We have to continue this way.

"I'm really pleased, despite the difficulty of the game, of the opponent and a bad injury, we were able to solve the situation. 

"It means the players are growing in many aspects, not only tactical but also to face the difficulties. This makes me very proud of my players."

Spurs have lost just one of their last 20 Premier League encounters against Everton (W10 D9), winning more games (29) and scoring more goals (97) against the Toffees than against any other side in the competition's history.

Conte, meanwhile, has won 30 of his opening 50 matches in charge, which ranks him joint-second for Tottenham managers. The Italian has not lost any of his seven Premier League meetings with Everton, seeing his sides keep a clean sheet on each occasion.

"The shape of the team was good, the defensive discipline was good. You have two good chances and you have to take those chances," Everton boss Frank Lampard told BBC Sport.

"We're probably in that middle ground now where people have given us a bit of praise. This season was always going to be about getting better from nearly getting relegated and now we're playing against a Champions League team. Sometimes that shows a little bit."

Tottenham have taken 23 points from their 10 Premier League games this season, their best tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1963-64 (24 – considering three points for a win).

Kane, meanwhile, has scored in each of his last five top-flight appearances, his longest scoring run in the Premier League.

Reece James will miss England's World Cup campaign in Qatar after Chelsea confirmed the defender will be out of action for eight weeks.

James was forced off in Chelsea's midweek Champions League win over Milan at San Siro with a knee injury.

And the Blues have now confirmed he will undergo a "rehabilitation programme" that will keep him sidelined for two months.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.

"After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks."

The news will come as a huge blow to England manager Gareth Southgate, particularly with fellow right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also battling injuries.

Walker faces a race to be fit in time to make the squad after undergoing surgery for a groin issue, while Alexander-Arnold has struggled for form this season and is sidelined with an ankle problem.

England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 22. 

Harry Kane was on target again as Tottenham's fine start to the Premier League season continued with a 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Kane's penalty just before the hour mark at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means he has scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances for Antonio Conte's side – his longest ever scoring run in the competition.

Wolves edged past Nottingham Forest 1-0, while Fulham and Bournemouth drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage. Leicester City and Crystal Palace, meanwhile, drew 0-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Here, Stats Perform picks out the best facts from the day's Premier League action.

Tottenham 2-0 Everton: Lampard's men punished by Kane again

Tottenham got over the line against a dogged Everton side in the day's late game, meaning Conte's team have now taken 23 points from 10 league games. It is their highest points tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1963-64 (24 points – considering three points for a win).

Kane's opener from the spot was his 14th Premier League goal against Everton, with Leicester the only team he has scored against more often (18).

The England captain has now scored 30 of the 34 penalties he has taken for Tottenham in the Premier League, becoming just the fourth player to score 30+ penalties for a single side in the competition after Frank Lampard (41 for Chelsea), Alan Shearer (37 for Newcastle) and Steven Gerrard (32 for Liverpool).

Everton, who conceded a late second to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, have won just two of their 14 away Premier League games under Lampard (D3 L9), with two defeats at Tottenham (also 5-0 in March).

Wolves 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Hosts come out on top in penalty battle

It was a tale of two penalties at Molineux as Wolves edged out fellow strugglers Forest.

The hosts ended a run of 370 minutes without a Premier League goal thanks to Ruben Neves' second-half penalty kick – only Raul Jimenez (seven) has scored more goals from the penalty spot in English top-flight history than the Portuguese (six).

Brennan Johnson then squandered the chance to level from the spot, becoming the first Forest player to fail to score a penalty in the Premier League since Stuart Pearce against Coventry City in December 1994.

His attempt was saved by Jose Sa, who has now kept out each of the last two penalties he has faced in the Premier League, after conceding nine of the 10 previous spot-kicks he faced in the competition (one hit the post).

Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Mitrovic seals point for Cottagers

Fulham ended a run of 18 consecutive Premier League home defeats when conceding the first goal as they played out an entertaining draw against Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke gave the visitors an early lead, taking his goal involvement to five goals (two goals, three assists) in his last five Premier League games. That already his best such tally for goal involvements in a single campaign in the competition.

Issa Diop pulled the hosts level, before Jefferson Lerma restored Bournemouth's advantage with a cool finish. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic the sealed a point for his side from the penalty spot.

The Serbia international has scored five of his seven Premier League goals this season in his five appearances at Craven Cottage – as many goals as he had scored in his previous 30 home games in the competition combined.

Leicester City 0-0 Crystal Palace: Bore draw keeps Foxes in trouble

A dismal goalless draw at the King Power Stadium means Leicester have only won five points from 10 games in the Premier League this season.

Accounting for three points per win all-time, only in 1983-84 have they had fewer points at this stage of a league campaign (two).

It was Palace's sixth goalless draw in the Premier League under Patrick Vieira. Indeed, they have played out more goalless draws than any other team in the competition since the start of last season.

Anna Blinkova advanced to her first WTA Tour singles final in one of two marathon last-four upsets at the Transylvania Open on Saturday.

Blinkova, the world number 138, had to come through qualifying in Cluj-Napoca but has built her momentum over the course of the week.

The Russian eliminated second seed Anhelina Kalinina in the quarter-finals on Friday, and continued her excellent form by downing compatriot Anastasia Potapova in the semis.

Number four seed Potapova took the opener against Blinkova, but the 24-year-old rallied to a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win to break new ground on the Tour.

Now, however, Blinkova faces an opponent who has beaten her twice in a row, dropping only seven games in the process.

Jasmine Paolini is herself playing only her second singles final on Sunday, having toppled seventh seed Wang Xiyu after two and a half hours on Saturday.

The Italian also required three sets, recovering her composure after being pegged back in the second to progress 7-5 4-6 6-3.

Massimiliano Allegri freed his Juventus players to go home and "hug their families" after they lifted the gloom with a 1-0 Derby della Mole win over Torino.

Dusan Vlahovic scored the only goal of the game in the 74th minute to settle the derby at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Saturday.

Under-pressure head coach Allegri had ordered his players to report for a training retreat after a 2-0 midweek Champions League defeat at Maccabi Haifa, which came on the back of a Serie A loss at Milan.

The Juve squad were put through their paces in double training sessions before facing their city rivals.

Allegri, who was given the backing of president Andrea Agnelli following a loss to Maccabi that left the Bianconeri facing a Champions League exit, says his players would not need to remain in their retreat after stopping the rot.

He told DAZN: "I told the guys that the team would be going home tonight to hug the families again."

Allegri made four changes to his starting line-up and went with a three-man defence in only a fourth Serie A win of the season for Juve, who moved up a place to seventh in the table.

The Bianconeri boss said it was the way his players approached the game that made the difference.

He said: "I was very serene on the bench because I saw that the team was playing a serious game."

Allegri added: "Regardless of the tactical part, today I liked the attitude. In a race the more duels you win, the more you have the chance to win the game.

"Football has evolved a lot, but this is always a topical aspect."

Juve's victory was also their first away from home this season and Allegri says they must kick on.

He said: "Today the boys showed that they are a team, an important group. The boys played a good match and I'm happy because it's the first away win.

"I'm sorry for this period, but sometimes there are things that go beyond what we can do. Today we took a first step, the team responded well, but now we have to continue."

Tottenham moved to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal as Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg secured a 2-0 win over Everton.

Having been frustrated for much of Saturday's match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs went ahead when Kane converted a 59th-minute penalty he won after Jordan Pickford's blunder.

Everton had missed the game's best chances prior to that, Amadou Onana and Demarai Gray profligate in the first half.

And any hope for Frank Lampard was extinguished when Hojbjerg's deflected strike settled the contest late on.

A thoroughly dominant Spurs start proffered only one opportunity, with former Everton talisman Richarlison heading over at the back post.

Yet it was Everton who had a golden chance in the 23rd minute – Gray spinning clear of Rodrigo Bentancur, only to lash over when one-on-one with Hugo Lloris.

Onana had a similarly glorious opportunity, and like his team-mate failed to apply an accurate finish after capitalising on slack Spurs defending, before Richarlison prodded over at the other end.

After Richarlison's meeting with his old side was cut short by a calf injury shortly after half-time, Spurs crafted a clear opening as Pickford superbly kept out Kane's volley.

Yet Pickford was at fault as Spurs finally broke through, with the England goalkeeper adjudged to have brought down Kane after spilling Matt Doherty's effort. Tottenham's striker made no mistake from 12 yards.

Kane almost made it two for Tottenham with a brilliant turn and shot, though Pickford reacted sharply.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's introduction offered a much-needed target for Everton, though Spurs had the points sealed in the 86th minute as Hojbjerg's 15-yard effort found the right corner.

Dusan Vlahovic scored the only goal of the game as Juventus lifted the gloom with a 1-0 Derby della Mole win at Torino.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has come under increasing pressure following 2-0 defeats to Milan and Maccabi Haifa, but the Bianconeri secured only their fourth Serie A win of the season against their city rivals on Saturday.

Vlahovic's seventh goal of the season in the 74th minute was enough to settle the derby at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Victory for Juve moved them above Inter into seventh and was a welcome relief for the under-fire Allegri.

Allegri switched to a three-man defence of Danilo, Bremer and Alex Sandro as he made four changes to his starting line-up, but Juve were slow to get going in a frantic first half.

Aleksey Miranchuk forced a save from Wojciech Szczesny, and it was not until the 32nd minute that the Bianconeri had their first shot, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic comfortably gathering Vlahovic's effort.

Milinkovic-Savic stuck out a right hand to deny Vlahovic again moments later, then palmed away long-range drives from Adrien Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli before Juve captain Juan Cuadrado fired just wide.

Juve had a let-off when Nikola Vlasic was afforded too much space just inside the penalty area but Szczesny saved.

Moise Kean had been starved of service, yet the striker missed a golden opportunity to put the Bianconeri in front when he failed to hit the target from close range after Filip Kostic had picked him out.

Although Milinkovic-Savic produced more heroics to tip Vlahovic's header around the post, the striker was on hand to break the deadlock from point-blank range after Danilo headed the resulting corner into his path.

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, the NBA has announced.

An eight-time NBA All-Star, Mutombo is regarded as one of the best defensive players in history and sits second in the league's all-time charts for blocks, behind only Hakeem Olajuwon.

Mutombo also won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award on four occasions. He retired from playing in 2009 and has turned his focus to humanitarian work.

On Saturday, a statement issued by the league on behalf of Mutombo and his family confirmed the 56-year-old's condition, adding that the former Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets center was in "great spirits".

"NBA global ambassador and Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour," the statement read.

"He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment.

"Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes."

Mutombo also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets in his celebrated career.

Jordan Poole is finalising a four-year, $140million extension with the Golden State Warriors.

ESPN reported the 23-year-old's agents had told of the imminent deal on Saturday, with an official announcement expected to follow.

The deadline for rookie extensions for members of the 2019 NBA Draft class is Monday, with Poole's future a priority for defending champions Golden State.

The Warriors guard played in all 22 playoff games last season en route to the title, although he only started in the first five of those, losing his place in the lineup after Stephen Curry returned to full fitness.

Poole averaged 17.0 points in 27.5 minutes in the postseason, having contributed 18.5 points per game in the regular season, making him the team's third scorer behind Curry (25.5) and Klay Thompson (20.4). His free-throw percentage of 92.5 led the league.

The 2021-22 season was Poole's third in the NBA but his first as a key man in a title-contending team, as only Andrew Wiggins (2,330) played more minutes for Golden State in the regular season (2,283).

Poole was the 28th pick when drafted by the Warriors three years ago, but he led players in his class in combined regular season and postseason minutes (2,889) by a wide margin last season (Tyler Herro second, 2,532).

As the Warriors look to defend their title while transitioning to a younger generation, with James Wiseman set for a big year, Poole will again have a prominent role this season.

His and the team's preparations for the new campaign were marred by a practice court incident involving Draymond Green, however.

Reports told of a confrontation between the pair, before footage emerged on social media showing Green punching Poole.

Green was fined by the Warriors but not suspended, with coach Steve Kerr describing the episode as his "biggest crisis" in eight hugely successful years with the team.

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been named in Xavi's squad for Sunday's showdown with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu after recovering from injury.

The 23-year-old has not played for Barca since their 3-0 win over Elche on September 17 after sustaining a thigh blow while on international duty with France.

Barca did not give a timeline for Kounde's comeback, but head coach Xavi indicated earlier this week the centre-back had a chance of featuring against Madrid.

The former Sevilla man was involved in training at Ciutat Esportiva on Thursday, before being named in the squad for a mouth-watering clash against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

There is no place in the squad for Memphis Depay, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin and Ronald Araujo, who are all still sidelined through injury.

Xavi's side drew 3-3 draw with Inter on Wednesday to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, but they are level on points with Madrid at the LaLiga summit after winning seven league games in a row, keeping a clean sheet in six of those.

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been charged with offences including attempted rape and assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The 21-year-old forward, who has one senior England cap, will appear at Greater Manchester magistrates' court on Monday.

The charges each relate to the same complainant, the CPS said.

Janet Potter, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said in a statement: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West's complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police.

"The defendant's first court appearance will take place on Monday 17 October at Greater Manchester magistrates' court.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings."

Greenwood was first arrested in January and subsequently released on bail.

England made a winning start to the Rugby League World Cup as they claimed an emphatic 60-6 victory over a dangerous Samoa side.
Many expected Samoa to stun the hosts in the tournament curtain-raiser, but a team featuring several players who featured in the NRL Grand Final two weeks ago failed to deliver.

An early penalty from Tommy Makinson put England ahead before Jack Welsby went over for the tournament's first try.

Dom Young crossed for a stunning double to give England a measure of command they never relinquished despite Izack Tago's interception score.

Stephen Crichton saw a try ruled out by the video referee before half-time but Samoa never threatened thereafter.

Marker set.
England get their RLWC2021 campaign off to the best possible start with a comprehensive win over Samoa.#RLWC2021 | @England_RL pic.twitter.com/jAM90RSNSD

Kallum Watkins scored England's fourth try and they ran riot after Samoa's Anthony Milford was sin-binned.

Herbie Farnworth crossed, Elliott Whitehead added a quickfire double and Makinson brought up the half-century when he converted his own try on the left sideline.

George Williams and Tom Burgess had the final say form Shaun Wane's side, who are in the box seat to win Group A, with games against France and tournament debutants Greece to follow.