Spurs dent Arsenal title bid

Tottenham Hotspur FC enhanced their chances of finishing in the top four in England by recording a 2-1 derby victory on Wednesday which leaves Arsenal FC's title hopes hanging by a thread.

Arsenal could have moved above Manchester United FC and to within three points of leaders Chelsea FC with four matches to play with a win, but were facing an uphill struggle after ten minutes at White Hart Lane when Premier League debutant Daniel Rose met Manuel Almunia's punch with an unstoppable first-time volley from 25 metres.

Gareth Bale extended the lead in the 47th minute, collecting Jermain Defoe's pass and slotting past Almunia. Arsenal halved their arrears five minutes from time when Nicklas Bendtner tapped in Theo Walcott's cross for his sixth goal of the season, but the hosts hung on to record a first derby success since 1999 and close to within a point of Manchester City FC in the race for the final UEFA Champions League qualifying berth.

A further six points adrift are Aston Villa FC after they salvaged a late 2-2 draw against Everton. David Moyes's side twice took the lead courtesy of Tim Cahill's head (23, 74) but Villa were resolute and levelled matters through a Gabriel Agbonlahor header (72) and Phil Jagielka's added-time own goal. Elsewhere, Wigan Athletic FC moved five points clear of the bottom three with a goalless draw against relegated Portsmouth FC.