Berbatov on target in Spurs triumph

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp shuffled his pack in a bid to win the game, but Berbatov's simple late goal was enough to give Spurs a win they just about deserved.

John Utaka wasted an early Portsmouth chance after good work by Pedro Mendes,

Errors at the back by Younes Kaboul and Jermaine Jenas encouraged Portsmouth, but the home side were also sloppy in defence when Tottenham forced a corner and Berbatov was left with a free header which he could not direct on target.

When Steed Malbranque concluded a sharp passing move with an inviting pass for Darren Bent - again preferred in the starting line-up to Jermain Defoe - he curled his 20 yards shot just over.

Kaboul did well to clear up when Sulley Muntari sparked a useful Pompey raid on the right and within seconds Aaron Lennon was away providing a cross to Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose clear shot produced an instinctive parry by David James. Malbranque followed up to net the loose ball but was clearly offside.

Pompey were lucky to escape minutes later when Glen Johnson's curving cross from the right needed only a touch by Niko Kranjcar to score a goal - but the ball flew straight through to nestle in Paul Robinson's arms.

Pompey piled on the pressure and Robinson was grateful to grab a free-kick from Muntari which fizzed straight through the wall.

Berbatov saw a good chance go begging but made no mistake nine minutes from the end.

Again Lennon's pace and vision was key, a perfect ball clipped over Sol Campbell's head for the Bulgarian to stroke home unopposed at the far post.