Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed to produce a response after they were thrashed 7-2 at home by Bayern Munich in their last Group B game and after losing a two-goal lead to draw with Olympiakos in the opening round of matches.

And they secured their first win in emphatic fashion as an early header from Harry Kane and two smart finishes from Son Heung-min gave them a three-goal advantage by half-time.

Red Star, who were backed by a large group of fans despite Uefa restrictions imposed after incidents of racism at a qualifier against HJK Helsinki in July, had no answer as Erik Lamela scored a fourth and Kane added another.

It was a performance and a scoreline to give Pochettino and Spurs a much-needed injection of confidence after their indifferent start to the season, and before Sunday’s daunting visit to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Pochettino would have gratefully accepted any sort of good news after their recent miserable run that comprised that record loss to Bayern here in the Champions League, a heavy defeat at Brighton and a fortunate draw at home to struggling Watford last weekend.

This, then, was exactly what he was hoping for as Spurs put their troubles behind them to dominate a timid Red Star and get themselves right back into their group.

Spurs, as they actually did before being swamped by Bayern, started with real intensity and quality and on this occasion were helped by opponents who had neither the resources to resist nor the firepower to offer any serious threat.

This was effectively the ideal environment for Spurs to at least banish some of their troubles and play themselves back into the form that has made them a permanent presence in the upper reaches of the Premier League in recent seasons and Champions League finalists last term.

The talent remains within this Spurs side, as exemplified by Son and Kane, but they have needed something to re-ignite the spark that took them so far last season.

Time will tell if this victory provides it as the mediocre standard of the opposition must put the win in context – but it at least provides Spurs and Pochettino with some sort of platform.

Pochettino restored Son and Lamela to the starting line-up after the poor performance against Watford on Saturday and was richly rewarded by both.

South Korean Son is a high-class performer who is at home on the elite stage and he was the catalyst for this vastly-improved performance, setting the tone from the first whistle with his direct approach.

He was also a constant threat, scoring at the far post after Kane had put Spurs ahead and stroking in a calm finish for the third that effectively ended this as a contest right on half-time.

Lamela also got in on the act, sending in the corner for Kane and creating the second for Son with a fine turn and cross before putting himself on the scoresheet with a left-footed drive.

Pochettino will be looking for vital signs in all areas of the Spurs team as he tries to drag this talented squad out of the doldrums and this pair delivered in style for their manager.

Christian Eriksen may have been struggling with a dead leg recently but how significant is it that he was on the bench here?

The Dane’s future at Spurs looks anything but long-term and they did not miss him as Dele Alli did a hard-working stint between a deeper and more advance role that earned him a huge ovation when he was substituted late on.

Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele provided plenty of energy and power and it is clear Eriksen, so influential for so long, must fight his way back into contention for however long he remains at the club.

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Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Spurs were forced to survive a first-half barrage from the Bundesliga leaders in the crackling atmosphere of the Westfalenstadion.

But Kane’s intervention just after half-time ensured a comfortable second period in which the hosts failed to register a shot on target.

Latching on to Moussa Sissoko’s pass, the England captain clinically lifted the ball past home goalkeeper Roman Burki into the right corner.

It was Kane’s first effort on goal and confirmed a 4-0 aggregate win for a Tottenham side that defended resolutely throughout.

Kane’s 24th European goal moves him one clear of the club record he previously shared with Jermain Defoe.

The draw for the quarter-finals takes place on Friday, 15 March.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side have kept just one clean sheet in the Premier League in 2019, but they looked solid in Germany after deploying the same three-man defence that helped them to a commanding first-leg lead.

Jan Vertonghen’s 10th-minute tackle on Marco Reus exemplified their early resolve. Timing his challenge to perfection, the Belgian nipped the ball away from the Dortmund attacker who had broken clear inside the area.

When Dortmund did break through, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made brilliant saves from Reus, Julian Weigl Mario Gotze and Jadon Sancho, while Weigl was denied a second time by a superb Ben Davies block.

Dortmund bombarded Lloris’ goal with five shots on target in the latter stages of the opening half, but Tottenham carried a threat on the break with the pace and movement of Son Heung-min and Kane.

Son clipped an effort just wide of the left post when clean through before Kane’s clinical finish inflicted a first home defeat on Dortmund under manager Lucien Favre.

It also ensured only Tottenham’s second ever appearance in the last eight of the competition.

Despite a strong first-half showing in which they monopolised possession and chances on goal, it proved a disappointing evening for Dortmund.

Former Borussia Monchengladbach and Nice coach Favre has taken the club back to the top of the Bundesliga as they aim for their first league title since 2012.

However, their attacking threat was blunted by a strong Tottenham defence with centre forward Paco Alcacer managing just 27 touches during the game.

That impacted on Dortmund’s other attackers, particularly after the break, with the likes of England winger Jadon Sancho struggling to make an impact as a result.

With no central thrust to the Germans play, the 18-year-old, who has registered nine goals this term, was shackled throughout and snatched at his only shot on target.

With just five touches in the Tottenham penalty area, Sancho was unable to influence the game in the final third.

Instead he was restricted to the middle of the pitch where he was well marshalled by a combination of Davies and Harry Winks.

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He came off the bench to score a late winner in his side’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at Wembley.

Inter Milan, needing just a draw to reach the knockout rounds at Tottenham’s expense, were holding firm until Eriksen smashed home his side’s winner in the 80th minute.

That came after superb work from midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko.

The win meant Tottenham and Inter Milan both have seven points in Group B, but Tottenham leapfrogged the Italians into second place by virtue of their head-to-head record.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will complete an unlikely salvage job if they win against group winners FC Barcelona at the Nou Camp next month.

It is also possible if they at least match Inter Milan’s result against bottom club PSV Eindhoven.

Eriksen and Son Heung-min, two of the stars of Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat of Chelsea on Saturday, were both left on the bench, and their late introductions proved pivotal.

But it was French midfielder Sissoko, so often a misfit since his 30 million pounds ($38.48 million) move to London in August 2016, who proved the key to unlocking Inter’s defence.

With the clock ticking down and Tottenham’s plight becoming desperate, he barrelled his way into the area.

He played the ball across for Dele Alli, who showed great vision to help it on to Eriksen, who fired high past Samir Handanovic.

“We still have have one more game to go. Our focus was to win this and now our next one is Barca,” Eriksen said.

“It will be tough but fun, we know what we have to play for.”

The Dane added: “Tonight Inter Milan came to defend. They knew one point would be better than losing, and playing against Italian sides, you don’t have many chances. Luckily, I took mine and we kept them away.”

Some of Tottenham’s best UEFA Champions League moments have come against Italian opposition, notably in their debut campaign in 2010-11.

That was when they beat Inter Milan at home and AC Milan away in the San Siro on their way to the quarter-finals.

There have been crushing disappointments, too — none bigger than last season’s 2-1 home defeat by Juventus in the last 16, which deprived them of a place in the last eight.

This season they led 1-0 away to Inter Milan in their opening game in the group only for late goals by Mauro Icardi and Matias Vecino to inflict a defeat.

The defeat meant they have been playing catch-up ever since.

Harry Kane’s double against PSV Eindhoven earned Tottenham their first win in the group to put their fate just about back in their own hands.

But only victory over Inter Milan would do.

Tottenham dominated the first half, with Alli shooting over early on, and Lucas Moura having a shot saved after another burst forward by Sissoko.

Harry Winks also curled a sublime effort against the crossbar.

Inter Milan had chances, too, with substitute Borja Valero wasting their best one shortly after replacing the injured Radja Nainggolan.

Tottenham were perhaps fortunate not to end the half with 10 men after Erik Lamela caught Marcelo Brozovic on the shin with a reckless tackle.

Tottenham struggled to open up Inter Milan after the break and when Jan Vertonghen headed wide from Eriksen’s superb free kick in the 75th minute it seemed Tottenham’s hopes were fading.

But Eriksen popped up to set up what could yet be a memorable night in Barcelona

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City team-mate Gael Clichy has also missed out on Didier Deschamps’s squad.

Nine of the 23-man squad play in England, including QPR striker Loic Remy, who has been on loan at Newcastle this season.

France’s first Group E match is against Honduras on 15 June and they also face Switzerland and Ecuador.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Newcastle’s Mathieu Debuchy and Moussa Sissoko, Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra and Liverpool centre-back Mamadou Sakho are all included.

Arsenal trio Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna and Olivier Giroud complete the Premier League contingent for the 1998 winners.

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is on the seven-man standby list.

Nasri, who was given a three-match international ban for his behaviour during Euro 2012, predicted his exclusion from the squad earlier this week.

He said: “Sadly it’s not going to happen, but that’s fine. I am just happy I won the league and a cup this year. If that is not enough, it is not enough.

“I missed a World Cup in 2010 and I am still alive and stronger than ever. I am going to watch it on TV while I am on holiday and I will be fine.”

City boss Manuel Pellegrini said: “It will be an important mistake if he doesn’t play in the World Cup.”

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia).

Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris St-Germain) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (both Paris St-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (QPR – on loan at Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco).

Standby: Loic Perrin (St Etienne), Maxime Gonalons, Alexandre Lacazette (both Lyon), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Benoit Tremoulinas (Dynamo Kiev), Remy Cabella (Montpellier)

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Having seen top-four rivals Everton lose to Southampton on Saturday, Arsenal knew a win would see them extend their lead over the Merseyside club to four points.

And the result never looked in doubt after Laurent Koscielny’s simple finish sent the hosts into a 26th-minute lead at the Emirates Stadium, with Mesut Ozil doubling the advantage before the break.

And the three points were in the bag midway through the second half, when Ozil turned provider to tee up an Olivier Giroud headed goal.

A sixth consecutive defeat for Newcastle will undoubtedly heap pressure on manager Alan Pardew, who has now overseen the club’s longest losing league run since 1987.

Pardew was back in the dugout following his seven-match ban for headbutting Hull City’s David Meyler, with opposite number Arsene Wenger offering a warm welcome to the manager with whom he had his own heated confrontation at West Ham in 2006.

Top scorer Loic Remy returned to the Newcastle starting XI, but it was the unchanged hosts who looked more dangerous on the attack in the opening stages.

However, clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to come by for both sides until the 18th minute, when Ozil drilled an effort wide of the right-hand post after Koscielny had collided with goalkeeper Tim Krul in the penalty area.

And defender Koscielny was in the mix in the Newcastle penalty area again eight minutes later as he broke the deadlock, this time making the most of Moussa Sissoko’s lacklustre marking to poke home from a Mikel Arteta free-kick.

Lukas Podolski pulled wide of the target as Arsenal chased a quickfire double and the German drew a strong hand from Krul with a powerful header from a corner soon after.

Cheick Tiote evoked memories of his stunning equaliser in Newcastle’s famous 2011 4-4 draw with Arsenal when he stung the palms of Wojciech Szczesny with a thunderbolt of an effort from 30 yards, but the home side doubled their advantage three minutes before the break.

Giroud failed to find a way past Krul after having two bites at the cherry, but the ball fell kindly for Ozil to tap-in from inside the six-yard box, although the midfielder appeared marginally offside.

Yoan Gouffran surged forward in a rare Newcastle attack 10 minutes into the second half, but Szczesny made himself big to deny the Frenchman.

And it was all over for Newcastle in the 66th minute, when Giroud nodded home from an Ozil cross, prompting fans in the away end at the Emirates to unfurl a banner asking: “Next excuse Pardew?”

It remains to be seen if under-fire Pardew has an answer for his own club’s supporters, but few question marks now exist over whether Arsenal have what it takes to win the race for fourth.

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United are 12 points behind leaders Arsenal, who play Everton on Sunday.

After a  1-0 loss to Newcastle followed defeat by Everton , Moyes said: “I stand firm we will be very close. I hope we are in it at the end of the season.”

When asked why he was so confident, he said: “The players – because I am working with the champions.”

Saturday saw Newcastle clinch their first win at Old Trafford for 41 years as United slipped to their third home defeat in the league this season.

Moyes’s side struggled to respond after going behind against the Magpies and they have already dropped 13 out of 24 points at Old Trafford, four more than in the whole of the last campaign.

They have also suffered back-to-back home league defeats for the first time since the 2001-02 season but Moyes, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager in the summer, is adamant there is no reason to panic.

“I think the game against Everton was very similar to the one against Newcastle,” he explained. “If we had come out on top in both games I don’t think anybody would have said an awful lot about it.

“Because we have not, and because we are Manchester United, we have to do better. We have to play better, pass it better, make more chances and take more opportunities.

“But we have just not been able to do that in the last couple of games. We were needing something to go for us, to give us a bit of confidence.

“Their goal was a little bit fortunate. Patrice Evra hits the ball against the back of Moussa Sissoko’s head and he goes through to cut it back.”

Moyes received a mixed reaction from United fans at the final whistle – there were some boos and some supporters had already left, but the Stretford End applauded him and sang his name as he made his way towards the tunnel.

“The United fans have been great,” Moyes added. “Great to me, and great to the club.

“They understand there is a big transition going on here. I don’t think they, or me, expected us to have lost five games at this time of the season, but I think they understand totally that there is a change going on.

“How big a test is this for me? It’s the same test I have done ever since I have started as a manager. The good thing is that I am more experienced now and hopefully I will be able to handle it much better.”

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