Carling Cup: Tottenham survived Didier Zokora's 21st-minute dismissal to beat Manchester City 2-0 at Eastlands and claim a Carling Cup semi-final place.
City, aiming to reach their first major semi-final in 26 years, fell behind to Jermain Defoe's early strike but they were given a major lifeline when Zokora was sent off with nearly 70 minutes to go.
However, they failed to find a breakthrough and were eventually hit on the counter-attack, Steed Malbranque sealing the victory for Spurs.
Defoe came into the side for his first start under Jaunde Ramos and the move paid off after just five minutes when the forward handed Spurs the lead.
Jermaine Jenas' through-ball released Aaron Lennon and the winger's quick ball into the box was swept home from close range by the predatory Defoe.
Malbranque saw an effort charged down soon after as Spurs made all the early running but their task was made more difficult in the 21st minute when Zokora was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Elano.
Defoe was then withdrawn, much to his surprise and apparant disgust, for Teemu Tainio as Ramos sought a replacement for Zokora in midfield.
City attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage from there and Elano missed a good chance to equalise when he sent a close-range effort just wide in the 33rd minute.
Michael Johnson also came close before half-time with a hooked effort over the bar and the hosts' dominance continued after the break.
Paul Robinson was forced into a sharp reflex save to tip Darius Vassell's header over the bar in the 53rd minute, while Richard Dunne thought he should have had a penalty following a challenge from Pascal Chimbonda soon after.
But Tottenham continued to look dangerous on the counter attack and they put the result beyond doubt nine minutes from time when Malbranque coolly slotted home after being put through by lone striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Berbatov even had a chance to make it 3-0 in the closing stages but Joe Hart made a fine save to keep out the Bulgarian's effort on the turn.
