Tottenham needed a late equaliser to claim a 1-1 home draw with Stoke but slip to fourth in the league behind North London rivals Arsenal. Tottenham brought to an end three successive losses in the league but they needed a last minute strike from Rafael van der Vaart to salvage a point.
Spurs were never at their best, lacking the quality to break down a well organised Stoke rearguard despite having the majority of play.
The Potters it was who went ahead in the second half against the run of play with 15 minutes remaining when Cameron Jerome finished from close range. Jerome it was who had also gone close for the visitor's before the break.
On 1 February, Spurs' advantage over the Gunners stood at 12 points, but they now trail their neighbours by one.
It could have been worse had van der Vaart not got on the end of a Gareth Bale cross in the final minute Referee: Mike Jones
Venue: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 35,172
Tottenham scorers: Van der Vaart 90 Stoke scorers: Jerome 75
TRIBAL ASKS: Could Tottenham end the season out of the Champions League placings?
Yellow cards: Palacios (STO), Van der Vaart (TOT)
