2-1 v Manchester City - 19 March 2005 - Home

Stuart Pearce was denied a point in his first game in charge of Manchester City by Spurs striker Robbie Keane's winner. Keane struck with six minutes to go, prodding home from close range after Simon Davies' shot had been blocked.

Spurs led when Jermain Defoe nodded in Davies' mis-hit shot after good work from Andy Reid, but City levelled when Claudio Reyna brilliantly volleyed in.

Kiki Musampa sliced wide when through on goal and Reid forced a fine save from David James before Keane won it.

The result was a blow to Pearce, who knows a successful nine-game spell will give him every chance of getting the job on a permanent basis, and City's players looked keen to provide their boss with an early boost.

They controlled much of the early stages and Spurs' hesitancy nearly handed them an opener, Paul Robinson mis-kicking Thimothee Atouba's back-pass and Reyna seeing his shot headed off the line by Noureddine Naybet.

But City's good start did not last long and a shocking defensive blunder gave Spurs a lead they did not deserve.

James threw the ball out too quickly and Nedum Onuoha was tackled by Reid, the Irishman's cross missed by Defoe but flashed backed across goal by Davies for the striker to head in.

The goal gave Spurs some impetus and City keeper James always looked like giving them a chance to double the lead, his handling and kicking hugely erratic.

But City grew stronger as the half wore on and after Robinson blocked Joey Barton's shot they equalised, Robbie Fowler's delightful chip into the area sweetly volleyed in off the post courtesy of Reyna's left-foot.

The visitors continued to look the better side after the break and the White Hart Lane crowd grew increasingly frustrated with their team's laboured efforts.

Musampa latched on to a long ball over the top and held off the challenge of Stephen Kelly, but he could only slice a left-foot shot wide from six yards.

Spurs brought on Freddie Kanoute for Mido to try and inject some life into their play and almost immediately Reid forced a tip over from James with a stinging drive.

But it was bringing Keane on for Reid which had the biggest impact, the former Leeds striker poaching a winner after Richard Dunne had got in the way of Davies' effort.

Spurs manager Martin Jol: "Today it was a pretty poor performance but it's about the result and we're now two points off Liverpool. "We've created great chances in our last few games but we didn't really create many opportunities today.

"Robbie Keane won't be happy being a sub but it's either him or Jermain Defoe and Robbie played on Wednesday. But he's a very talented player."