Al Habsi the hero again as Megson's men weather the storm to snatch vital point

They were content to let Spurs dominate possession in midfield, just as long as they did not get too close to goal. For most of the time the tactic worked, as the home side failed to find the creative magic to find a way through. Even when Tottenham did get within striking range, they found Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi in outstanding form.

The 26-year-old Omani — in because of a back injury to regular keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen — is turning into Bolton's unlikely hero and produced a string of saves, including two gems to deny Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, may prove priceless.

Manager Gary Megson said: "Being the manager of Bolton is like trying to keep a lot of plates up in the air at the same time. Some players give you something; others let you down at other times. I have to get the right players on the pitch at the right time."

Al Habsi had little to do in a quiet first half as Bolton soaked up the pressure and kept Spurs at arm's length.

At half-time Megson replaced the ineffective Grzegorz Rasiak and the immobile Ivan Campo with El Hadji Diouf and Stelios Giannakopoulos.

The impact was remarkable, with a goal after only 24 seconds.

When Spurs centre half Michael Dawson failed to clear, Gretar Steinsson took advantage by advancing down the right and crossing low. As the defence hesitated and goalkeeper Radek Cerny fumbled, Stelios swept home from close range.

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But Tottenham were able to enjoy greater freedom without the presence of Campo sitting yards in front of the visitors' back four and they were level six minutes later. Jermaine Jenas passed to Keane and his shot was deflected to Steed Malbranque, who finished from six yards.

The goal was the signal for Spurs to go for the jugular but Malbranque fluffed a chance when Berbatov's looping header found him alone at the far post, then an unmarked Jonathan Woodgate failed to find the target with a header and Tom Huddlestone had an effort cleared off the line by sub Danny Guthrie.

Spurs also missed a glorious chance to finish it in stoppage-time. Jamie O'Hara curled over a free-kick and Berbatov was unmarked but headed tamely over the bar.

Tottenham's fourth straight 1-1 draw suggests they are playing out their season at half pace but boss Juande Ramos said: "Other teams are fighting relegation, so it is important we approach every game with the same seriousness."