Tottenham 1 West Brom 0:Tottenham moved to within three points of second-placed Manchester United after Jermain Defoe finally broke through West Brom's stubborn resistance with a second-half winner at White Hart Lane.
The striker, recalled after a month spent in the treatment room and on the bench, swivelled and poked home in the 63rd minute after holding off the challenge of four Baggies defenders.
The goal came after a drab opening hour in which Tottenham looked anything but genuine title challengers.
Sloppy passing, wayward finishing, and a failure to carve open an organised West Brom defence meant Spurs were in danger of passing up another opportunity to put pressure on United and leaders Manchester City, before Defoe reminded manager Harry Redknapp of his killer instinct with a precise finish from 10 yards to ensure they started 2012 with a win.
Tottenham are now within striking distance of United and have a chance to confirm their status as contenders in their upcoming home games against Everton, Wolves and Wigan.
One troubling note for Redknapp will be his ever-increasing injury list. Jake Livermore, William Gallas and Sandro all had to come off with injuries tonight and Spurs dearly missed the presence of Scott Parker and Ledley King, who were ruled out due to knee problems.
