Soccer:Tottenham moved up to third place in the Barclays Premier League following a hard fought 1-0 win over Sunderland at White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp's men failed to test Republic of Ireland and Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood in a dull first half, but they sprung to life on the hour and took the lead through substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko's fierce drive.
Sunderland would have taken something from the game had it not been for Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who saved well from Sebastian Larsson and Kieran Richardson, while Luka Modric missed a gilt-edged chance to make it 2-0 at the other end; blazing over an open goal deep inside the second period.
The victory, which came a week after Spurs’ 11-match unbeaten run ended at Stoke, means they are now two points clear of Chelsea ahead of the London derby between the two sides on Thursday.
Man Utd boss Alex Ferguson began the day by claiming that Spurs were genuine title contenders, but Spurs looked anything but after a drab opening half. Shorn of Gareth Bale, missing through injury, Spurs lacked a cutting edge and began sluggishly.
Without Bale’s marauding and pace down the left, Spurs were struggling to penetrate the Black Cats defence, although the visitors rarely threatened. Tottenham’s attack was adjusted in the 26th minute when a hamstring injury to Aaron Lennon forced the winger off and Pavlyuchenko came on in his place.
Angered by their team’s poor performance, the home crowd urged their side on and they responded by taking the lead on the hour. Van der Vaart held off his marker and laid on a delicate reverse pass for
Pavlyuchenko, who paused before firing a powerful low shot past Westwood for his first league strike of the season.
