Defoe gives Spurs late win

Jermain Defoe scored the winner as Tottenham cruised to a 2-1 victory over Man City and prevented Man City from heading up to fourth in the Premiership.

With Spurs' top scorer Robbie Keane out for another two matches through suspension, Defoe offered head coach Juande Ramos an indication he is ready to step in.

The victory left City furious as they thought Spurs' opener was illegal.

Pascal Chimbonda looked offside when he broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time and the full-back did appear to use his arm very controversially.

Rolando Bianchi came off the bench to level matters in the second half but hopes of victory faded when Stephen Ireland was given a straight red card for a lunge on Young-Pyo Lee.

Defoe's winner came a minute later in the 83rd minute. Steed Malbranque hit the post from the resulting free-kick but Defoe was on hand to crash home the rebound.

Spurs assistant boss Gus Poyet said: "We needed this a lot after losing last week against Birmingham.

"It was a good game, very open and good for the supporters.

"Jermain's goal means a lot to everyone — especially to him."