First-half goal burst earns Spurs vital win

Tottenham 3 Stoke 1

The win was built on strikes by Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe’s third goal in four starts since rejoining Spurs and a header from Michael Dawson, before James Beattie pulled one back for the visitors after the interval.

The hosts were helped by Luka Modric pulling the strings in central midfield, allowing Spurs to pick up their first three points since winning at West Ham at the start of December.