Tottenham Hotspur moved up to third in the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
Spurs started the encounter brightly and went close to taking a 31st minute lead through substitute Roman Pavlychenko, who had replaced the injured Aaron Lennon. However, the Russian striker shot just wide of goal, while under pressure from visiting goalkeeper Kieran Westwood.
With the break approaching Scott Parker produced a cross which found Rafael van der Vaart. The Dutchman shot at goal but Westwood was on hand to hold his effort.
Sunderland came out after the break in positive mood and both Sebastian Larsson and David Vaughan forced saves from Brad Friedel.
The winning goal eventually arrived in the 61st minute courtesy of Pavlychenko. Van der Vaart was the creator, producing a reverse pass for Pavlychenko to power the ball past Westwood.
Next up for Spurs is a home match against Chelsea on Thursday, while Sunderland travel to Queens Park Rangers a day earlier.
Liam Apicella
