Defender puts Spurs back into top four

JAN VERTONGHEN propelled Tottenham into the top four of the Barclays Premier League with a second-half strike that finally broke stubborn Swansea.

The Belgium defender fired his first league goal for Spurs following his £12 million move from Ajax when he showed composure to sweep a free-kick from Kyle Walker past Gerhard Tremmel.

It was the reward Tottenham deserved after controlling a disappointing encounter at White Hart Lane that failed to match expectations before exploding into acrimony deep into injury time.

Swansea striker Michu was caught by Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper punched the ball clear and fell heavily to the floor.

While those players closest to the stricken Michu furiously waved to the touchline for medical assistance, Spurs played on through substitute Andros Townsend.

Incensed by Townsend’s perceived lack of sportsmanship, Chico Flores confronted the forward and several Spurs players and was only placated when his Spanish compatriot Michu climbed to his feet.

James Morrison was twice denied by the woodwork but West Brom failed to score for a third successive game in a dire 0-0 draw with West Ham.

The Baggies at least had the consolation of ending a run of three successive defeats and maintained their place in the top six.

But Sam Allardyce’s side were worth a share of the spoils in a game which seldom moved out of second gear.

Manchester United maintained their sixpoint lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United had seen their advantage at the summit cut after champions Manchester City won by the same scoreline at Newcastle in the lunchtime kick-off.

Agony and ecstasy – Chelsea’s Petr Cech and Ramires are left with that sinking feeling as Paolo Guerrero runs away to celebrate the goal that won the FIFA Club World Cup final for Brazilian club Corinthians in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday.