Crouch earns Spurs a crack at Champions League

Premier League round-up: Four years after an ill-timed bout of food poisoning cost them a place amongst Europe’s elite, Peter…

Premier League round-up:Four years after an ill-timed bout of food poisoning cost them a place amongst Europe's elite, Peter Crouch's late winner ensured Tottenham will get their chance to tuck into the Champions League next season after they beat Manchester City 1-0 at Eastlands.

Crouch settled what was dubbed the £50million match eight minutes from time when he was on hand to turn home the loose ball after Marton Fulop had only been able to push Younes Kaboul’s cross straight to the striker, who was lurking just five yards out.

It was just reward for an incredible season for Harry Redknapp and his men, who may yet pip old rivals Arsenal to a place in the main draw. At the very least they will be in the final qualifier, with a route to riches clearly mapped out.

For Manchester City, the world’s richest club, their failed attempt may just be a brief delay on an inexorable rise through the game.

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But in a season that promised so much and will end with only a Europa League place for comfort, it was further proof for chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak and owner Sheikh Mansour that money alone cannot build a successful football team.

A late strike from Matthew Etherington gave Stokea shock 1-0 win over Europa League finalists Fulhamat Craven Cottage.

The Stoke winger latched on to Ricardo Fuller’s cross to smash his drive past Mark Schwarzer to inflict Fulham’s fifth home defeat of the season and move Tony Pulis’s side up to 10th in the table.

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had to react quickly to deny Clint Dempsey in the second half but Fulham otherwise lacked any killer instinct in what was largely a dull match.