London: Erik Lamela scored a first-half hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed a listless Monaco 4-1 to ensure that his side advance to the Europa League knockout stages as group winners.


Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian midfielder Erik Lamela (2L) celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Europa League group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco at White Hart Lane in north London. Pic/AFP

The Argentine midfielder was the chief architect of the game in the absence of star player Harry Kane as Hotspur extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches, the Guardian reported.