Keane keeps Tottenham on track

Two goals from Robbie Keane helped Tottenham Hotspur FC maintain their grip on fourth place in the Premiership with a 3-2 victory against Blackburn Rovers FC at White Hart Lane.

Brilliant opener
Both sides kicked off with genuine hope of claiming England's fourth place in next season's UEFA Champions League, but it was Tottenham who began the brighter and took the lead in the ninth minute when Keane picked up possession from a throw-in on the right and brilliantly evaded two defenders before drilling a low left-foot shot under Brad Friedel. The new Republic of Ireland captain doubled the advantage three minutes before half-time after Friedel could only parry Mido's free-kick, although the two-goal cushion lasted only two minutes as Florent Sinama Pongolle dived to head in Craig Bellamy's cross.

Mido clincher
Bellamy brought Blackburn back on level terms midway through the second half as Sinama-Pongolle escaped the attentions of Ledley King down the Blackburn right before providing a low centre that was turned in by Bellamy. Two minutes later, however, Tottenham scored what proved to be the winning goal as Aaron Lennon sped clear down the right and Mido bundlied in his low cross at the far post to take Martin Jol's side on to 49 points, five more than fifth-placed Arsenal FC.

Samaras delight
Manchester City FC, meanwhile, climbed up to ninth as Georgios Samaras' early double secured the points against bottom team Sunderland AFC at the City of Manchester Stadium. The Greek striker found the net in the ninth and tenth minutes, and although Kevin Kyle halved the deficit in the 25th minute, Gary Breen's late dismissal for a second bookable offence effectivley ended the visitors' hopes of claiming a point.