Jermain Defoe scored the only goal as Tottenham ground out a 1-0 win over a dogged West Brom that keeps alive their title ambitions.

Striker scores only goal to keep alive title ambitions

Jermain Defoe scored the only goal as Tottenham ground out a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over a dogged West Brom outfit that keeps alive their title ambitions. With a number of first-teamers unavailable, Baggies boss Roy Hodgson was forced to shuffle his pack and set out to try and frustrate Tottenham. That game plan worked for long spells with the hosts unable to penetrate the massed ranks of the visiting defence who worked hard to ensure chances remained very much at a premium. But just as frustration was beginning to grow amongst home supporters, Defoe swivelled on a low Gareth Bale cross just after the hour mark and fired home a low shot to break West Brom's resistance. Spurs then withstood a bit of late pressure from the visitors to clinch a win which moves them to within three points of second-placed Manchester United. Tottenham are now within striking distance of United and have a chance to confirm their status as contenders in their upcoming home games against Everton, Wolves and Wigan. One troubling note for Redknapp will be his ever-increasing injury list. Jake Livermore, William Gallas and Sandro all had to come off with injuries tonight and Spurs dearly missed the presence of Scott Parker and Ledley King, who were ruled out due to knee problems. After seeing their rivals stutter over the festive period, Spurs had a golden chance to establish their position as London's top team and make serious inroads in to the grip the two Manchester sides hold on the league. Injuries to Chris Brunt and Shane Long further boosted their hopes, but Parker's absence for the first time since he signed from West Ham left a gaping hole in Spurs' midfield. Defoe, who has hinted he could seek to leave this month, looked keen to make a good impression, testing Ben Foster twice in the opening five minutes on a chilly night in north London. Foster punched clear a teasing cross from Gareth Bale before Jerome Thomas hacked down the Welshman down to give Spurs a dangerous free-kick which Van der Vaart wasted by firing in to the wall. The Dutchman quickly made amends by sneaking in front of his marker to clip a delicate shot with the outside of his boot which Foster tipped over at full stretch. West Brom were forced in to a change when Gonzalo Jara came on for Thomas and Sandro then had to come off for Tottenham just before the half hour after pulling up with an injury. Livermore took his place.

Crucial block

Billy Jones put in a crucial block to deny Emmanuel Adebayor deep inside the Baggies' box after a one-two with Bale as Spurs continued to dominate. West Brom boss Roy Hodgson cut a worried figure on the edge of his technical area, barely taking his seat during the opening half. But despite their dominance, Spurs were failing to trouble Foster and organised defending from the visitors lead to an air of frustration inside the ground. Van der Vaart drilled a low shot towards goal but Foster saved and Redknapp shook his head in disappointment at the half-time whistle. Adebayor's clever backheel found Defoe inside the box just after the break but the striker shinned his effort way over. He then flicked a deflected backheel of his own from Van der Vaart's cross that dribbled just wide. Graham Dorrans and Jones went in to the book for two late challenges on Bale after failing to handle the winger's pace. Craig Dawson