Tottenham Hotspur kept themselves within touching distance of the Manchester clubs by edging past West Bromwich Albion this evening.
Jermain Defoe struck the only goal in the second half of a game dominated by Harry Redknapp's men.
The home side controlled the game early on but failed to really test Ben Foster until midway through the half when the English stopper acrobatically tipped Rafael Van der Vaart's effort over.
By the half-time whistle Spurs had registered eight efforts on goal with the visitors not having one, rarely venturing into the final third.
Redknapp's men continued their pressure from the opening period in the second 45 with Defoe, sporting a new blond haircut, failing to keep two efforts on target.
West Brom then produced their first chance when Craig Dawson headed a corner wide before Brad Friedel was forced into a smart stop to deny Simon Cox.
Defoe finally made Spurs' pressure count in the 63rd minute. The England forward collected Gareth Bale's low cross and managed to find a way to get a shot off despite the attentions of four Baggies defenders.
The North London club are now three points behind Manchester United in second while West Brom drop a place to 15th.
Pascal Lemesre
