Tottenham returned to winning ways

Tottenham reignited their push for a top-four spot with a clinical victory over Fulham at White Hart Lane.

The hosts, searching for a first league win since December, took the lead when Peter Crouch capitalised on some poor defending to clip in from close range.

And David Bentley made the most of a rare Tottenham start when his free-kick was deflected home on the hour mark.

The Cottagers offered little in attack, though Bobby Zamora brought a brave save out of Heurelho Gomes early on.

However, the victory was all too comfortable for a Tottenham side that rarely had to get out of third gear as the hosts kept hold of fourth spot in the league, three points ahead of Liverpool, who were held to a goalless draw by Wolves.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute thanks to Modric's impish skill. Most had expected Bentley's deep cross to drop for a goal-kick, including Riise, but Modric did not give up and managed to flick the ball over the Norwegian. He then scissor-volleyed inside and Crouch escaped the attention of Smalling to tap home.

The irrepressible Modric almost made it two on the stroke of half-time when he stepped inside Aaron Hughes and curled inches over the bar, but the home fans did not have to wait too long for a deserved second.

Bentley, making his first league start since October, got it, his curling free-kick deflecting off Riise and past the helpless Schwarzer.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp:
"The main thing was for us to get the win. We have been playing well recently but have come up against a couple of keepers who have been in great form.

"We well deserved to win it tonight. We dominated the game and our keeper has maybe had one save to make all night.

"I'm pleased with David Bentley's performance, he's got great ability and he showed that tonight. He's been unlucky not to have had more chances because of Aaron Lennon's form but all we can ask is that when he gets his chance he takes it and he did that tonight."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"I thought we dealt with Spurs reasonably well. After their initial burst I thought we did OK.

"We were a little unlucky with the goals, the second one in particular because that was a cruel deflection.

"After that second goal they could relax - if we hadn't conceded that, maybe we could have pressed them a bit more."