Soccer – Premier League Review:Tottenham Hotspur strengthened their claim for a top-four finish in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham as Liverpool could only manage a 0-0 draw at struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Peter Crouch and David Bentley scored Tottenham's goals at White Hart Lane to keep the north London club in fourth place with 41 points, three ahead of Liverpool who rose to fifth.
Bentley was the surprise name on the Tottenham teamsheet but the apparent wantaway winger made a telling contribution. He made his first start since the beginning of December and on tonight’s performance could attract attention from other clubs.
His determined performance was capped by a free-kick that flew in off Bjorn Helge Riise.
Crouch had opened the scoring after escaping the attention of Chris Smalling, who was playing at centre-back hours after it was announced Manchester United had agreed terms for the youngster to play at Old Trafford next season.
Tonight's result was a blow to Liverpool as the scoreless draw weakens their chances of securing Champions League football next season.
The point helped the Reds move above Manchester City but only on goal difference and Rafa Benitez's side have played two games more than City.
In contrast, it was a precious point for Wolves in their battle to stay in the top flight.
A goal from Chung-Yong Lee gave Owen Coyle his first Premier League victory as Bolton manager after tonight’s 1-0 win against his old club Burnley, who he left earlier this month.
Lee made the breakthrough in the 34th minute with a shot that hit the underside of bar and went in, although it was disputed by the visitors.
Burnley dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this season as Bolton moved out of the bottom three to 15th.
Portsmouth substitute Danny Webber notched his first Premier League goal for the club to keep Avram Grant's side in touch with their relegation rivals after a 1-1 home draw with West Ham.
The Hammers held basement team Pompey 1-1 at Fratton Park, with skipper Matthew Upson giving the visitors the lead after 52 minutes.
But Webber's 75th-minute goal just two minutes after replacing Frederic Piquionne kept his side's hopes of top-flight survival alive.
Selected Cross-Channel Results
Premier League
Bolton 1 Burnley 0
Portsmouth 1 West Ham 1
Tottenham 2 Fulham 0
Wolverhampton 0 Liverpool 0
Scottish Premier League
Hamilton 0 Kilmarnock 0