Spurs return to top 4 with 2-0 win over Blackburn

Spurs return to top 4 with 2-0 win over Blackburn

Published Apr. 29, 2012 6:52 p.m. ET

Tottenham returned to the top four of the English Premier League on Sunday with a one-sided 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Blackburn.

Spurs dominated the match at White Hart Lane but managed only a 22nd-minute goal by Rafael van der Vaart until Kyle Walker's 30-yard (meter) free kick 15 minutes from the end.

Tottenham hit the frame of the goal three times in the first half alone and denied Blackburn, which is next to last with just two matches remaining, a single shot on goal.

Tottenham's second win in 10 matches lifted it above Newcastle on goal difference and to within four points of third-place Arsenal.

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Spurs should have taken the lead in the first minute when Luka Modric skipped into the box and crossed for Aaron Lennon, who shot into the side netting from close range.

Midfielder Sandro then hit the bar with a long-range effort and Gareth Bale did the same with a header, which landed at Van der Vaart's feet for the Netherlands forward to score from the rebound.

Tottenham captain William Gallas then glanced a header onto the bar, Lennon hit the side netting again at the start of the second half, Modric put a shot wide and Bale also missed the target.

David Dunn fouled Lennon to give Spurs a free kick, which Walker - voted young player of the year this season by his fellow Premier League players - hit past former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Current Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel did not have to make a single save in what was his 301st consecutive league start.

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