Injury-hit Tottenham recorded their first away victory of the year, scoring the only goal of the match against Blackburn.
Despite missing a string of first-team players including the suspended Michael Dawson, Harry Redknapp’s side got off to the best possible start at Ewood Park when Peter Crouch rose above Chris Samba to head home Rafael van der Vaart’s cross after just three minutes.
Blackburn then pressured Spurs throughout the first half and had several opportunities to level through set pieces, forcing goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to make scrambling saves on two occasions.
David Dunn also went close to equalising putting two shots just inches wide of the far post, and Ryan Nelson missed with a header.
Blackburn’s Keith Andrews courted controversy when he appeared to stand on Jermaine Jenas’ head after avoiding his sliding challenge, however the referee took no action.
Immediately after the break Mame Biram Diouf forced Gomes into making an excellent save when the striker got behind the Spurs’ defence.
The visitors should have extended their lead when Aaron Lennon was given too much space to run at the Blackburn defence.
He passed to an unmarked Jermaine Defoe who was only denied by a superb save from Paul Robinson. The Rovers’ gloveman made another fine save moments later, this time from a long-range shot by Lennon.
At the other end, Junior Hoilett forced the best out of Gomes with a shot from distance.
Substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen also tested the Brazilian goalkeeper who made a series of good saves in quick succession.
Spurs were given injury-time scares, but the Londoners held on for a victory that keeps then in touch with the top four.
