Spurs close to Europe after jumping Reds

TOTTENHAM is within touching distance of qualifying for the Europa League after moving above Liverpool with a 2-0 win at Anfield yesterday (AEST).

It was meant to be a day of celebration for the Reds after Kenny Dalglish had signed a new three-year deal to become permanent manager of Liverpool for the second time.
But Spurs didn't read the script with goals in either half from Rafael Van der Vaart and a controversial Luka Modric penalty sealing a win that took them back into fifth spot.
With one game remaining, Tottenham's fate is in its own hands after a result few saw coming as Liverpool's five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Tottenham now know that a win on the final day at home to relegation-threatened Birmingham will be enough to confirm its place in Europe for next season.
Dalglish has transformed the club's fortunes since January with Liverpool's new owners having been fortunate to stumble on a winning formula they could scarcely have imagined after replacing Roy Hodgson.
Yet Tottenham, which knew it had to win to keep alive its hopes of leapfrogging its Merseyside hosts, began like a side throwing caution to the wind.
As Liverpool struggled to get out of the blocks, Tottenham surged into an early lead through van der Vaart in the ninth minute.
Anfield was silenced as Modric's corner was partially cleared and the Dutch midfielder, via a slight deflection off Glen Johnson, saw his shot sail past Pepe Reina.
Liverpool's frustration was evident. Luis Suarez was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card after striking Michael Dawson while the defender was on the floor.
Such was Liverpool's lethargy, it took until the 34th minute before the home side had its first serious effort on goal. And then Jay Spearing's wide shot from 20 yards summed up their showing.
Andy Carroll, back in the Liverpool team after injury, drew groans around the ground as he mistimed his header following Martin Skrtel's cross. Van der Vaart's 14 goals following his arrival from Real Madrid have made him one of the most astute signings of the season. But his injury woes show no sign of ending and he limped off moments after the restart. Despite the loss, Tottenham increased its lead within minutes thanks to Modric's controversial penalty in the 56th minute.
John Flanagan appeared to go shoulder to shoulder with Steven Pienaar, but referee Howard Webb incensed the home fans by pointing to the spot, with Modric slotting home the penalty.
AFP