Kranjcar helps spurs keep Europe dream alive

Niko Kranjcar's wonderful goal secured an impressive 2-1 victory for Tottenham against ten-man Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday

Stoke: Niko Kranjcar's wonderful goal secured an impressive 2-1 victory for Tottenham against ten-man Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, although a hugely positive afternoon was marred by the loss of Roman Pavlyuchenko to injury.

If Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believes in omens, Tottenham's first victory at Stoke City for 25 years may be hugely significant in the chase for the final Champions League qualifying place -- despite Russian striker Pavlyuchenko limping off in the first half with a hamstring injury to further deplete his striking options.

Niko Kranjcar celebrates after scoring on Saturday

Spurs have a five point advantage in the race for the lucrative fourth-placed finish, thanks largely to the second half dismissal of Dean Whitehead, by referee Mike Dean.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa left it late against an impressive Wolverhampton Wanderers, as a John Carew double secured a point for Martin O'Neil's side with a 2-2 draw.

Other Results

Sunderland 3 B'gham 1
Wigan 1 Burnley 0
Portsmouth 3u00a0 Hull City 2
Everton 2 Bolton 0