Tottenham Hotspur needed a late strike from Jan Vertonghen to secure all the points in a 1-0 win over Swansea City on Sunday.
Spurs dominated large periods of the first half of football, but could not make the breakthrough and the two sides entered the break level at 0-0.
The second period was more of an even contest, but Vertonghen scored the winner for Spurs 15 minutes from time to secure a vital three points.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Premier League rivals.
Match statistics:
Tottenham:
Shots 17
On target 8
Possession 50%
Corners 9
Fouls 8
Swansea
Shots 3
On target 0
Possession 50%
Corners 3
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
Despite the fact that Swansea defended superbly for large periods of the match, it would be difficult to argue that Spurs did not deserve to secure all three points. The home side managed eight attempts on target, while Swansea could not register a single shot on Hugo Lloris's goal. On the balance of play, Spurs were worthy winners.
Tottenham's performance
Spurs had plenty of the possession in the opening half of football, but failed to really create any clear chances of note. They were certainly forced back in the second period, but always looked the side capable of picking up the victory. The three points has moved them into fourth spot in the table.
Swansea's performance
The Welsh outfit defended well in the first period of the match, but struggled to find Michu as they continued to drop deeper in order to absorb the pressure. They are known as a side that play such incisive football, but they showed that they can also mix it with an impressive defensive showing. Unfortunately for them, they just could not hold on.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Ashley Williams: The Swansea skipper was simply sensational this afternoon. He made challenge after challenge and was prepared to play football from the back rather than hand possession straight to Spurs. It was as good a defensive performance as I have seen this season. He did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Kyle Walker had a glorious opportunity to put Spurs ahead in the early stages of the second period, but somehow he blazed over the crossbar from inside the box. Ultimately it did not cost his side the three points, but on another afternoon it might have done.
Referee performance
Mike Dean had a fairly successful 90 minutes of action this afternoon. He allowed the match to flow in the correct areas, but was sometimes guilty of missing a couple of blatant free kicks. Late on, he should have stopped play when Michu was felled by Lloris.
What next?
Tottenham: Spurs will attempt to continue their winning run when they host Stoke City in the Premier League next Saturday. They go on to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on December 26.
Swansea: Swansea host Premier League leaders Manchester United next Sunday, before travelling to relegation-threatened Reading on December 26.
Matt Law
