A Jermain Defoe goal on the stroke of half-time has given Tottenham Hotspur a deserved 1-0 half-time lead.

Jermain Defoe had the first chance of the game after three minutes, but put his effort high and wide after being played through by Clint Dempsey.

Jussi Jaaskelainen saved comfortably from Defoe before Gareth Bale struck the bar with a 25-yard effort after 11 minutes.

Spurs continued to control the possession but both sides were struggling to create any real chances.

Hugo Lloris had to divert a Winston Reid flick-on for a corner with 10 minutes of the half remaining, but West Ham could not break through a solid Spurs defence.

Then, a minute before the whistle, Defoe netted a superb solo goal to give Spurs the lead.