Everton 2-1 and go fourth
LONDON, (Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur survived a second-half fightback by Everton to secure a 2-1 home win that took them back to fourth place in the Premier League yesterday.
Roman Pavlyuchenko, who had scored twice in each of his last two games, put Spurs ahead when he turned in a Jermain Defoe cross after 11 minutes.
With fullback Gareth Bale rampaging forward like an old-time winger, Spurs were in complete control and they took a deserved 2-0 lead after 28 minutes with a brilliant chip by Luka Modric.
The game changed five minutes into the second half though when Tottenham lost impressive midfielder Tom Huddlestone and Everton began to take command.
They pulled a goal back after 53 minutes when Ayegbeni Yakubu cashed in on an error by Heurelho Gomes – the first Spurs had conceded at home in six league games – but the Spurs keeper made amends with good saves to deny Jack Rodwell and Steven Pienaar.
Everton, who came from 2-0 down at home to draw 2-2 with Spurs at Goodison Park in December, should have done the same 12 minutes from time when substitute Landon Donovan missed a sitter.
They continued to pour forward in the latter stages but Spurs held out for a win that takes them back to fouth place on 49 points, above Manchester City on goal difference.
Liverpool, sixth on 45, host Blackburn Rovers later yesterday.
Chelsea, shocked 4-2 at home by Manchester City on Saturday, lead the way with 61 points, one ahead of Manchester United, who were playing Aston Villa in the League Cup final later yesterday.