A late goal from Emmanuel Adebayor has helped Tottenham Hotspur beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon.

© PA Photos

The home side took advantage of some poor defending by Spurs in the opening minutes of the game, as Charlie Adam picked out the unmarked Steven N'Zonzi with his free kick and the midfielder headed past Hugo Lloris.

Gareth Bale had a chance to level just minutes later, but Asmir Begovic was able to tip his shot over the bar, before Clint Dempsey had his effort disallowed for offside.

However, the American found an equaliser in the 19th minute, sending in a 30-yard strike after a defensive mix-up left Begovic off his line.

Bale tried to set up Michael Dawson for a header at the end of the first half, before seeing an effort of his own saved by the Stoke keeper.

Stoke found themselves down to 10 men early in the second half as Adeam was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Jan Vertonghen, securing him his second booking of the game.

Dempsey almost gave Spurs the lead when attempting to head in from a Bale corner, while another effort from the Welsh international was stopped by Begovic.

Stoke defended well to keep themselves on level terms with Andre Villas-Boas's side for much of the second half, but Dempsey was able to pick out Adebayor inside the box in the 83rd minute, allowing the Togo striker an easy finish to put Tottenham ahead.

Bale had a chance to add a third in stoppage time, but Stoke's back four ensured that the visitors won by just one goal.

The result keep Spurs in the hunt for the final Champions League place, moving them up to fourth, two points clear of Arsenal.