Crouch gives Spurs shot at Champions League

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.

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, 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.

When Heurelho Gomes denied Carlos Tevez in the opening minutes with a feet-first save, it was the first of three excellent stops before the interval.

Ledley King had the ball in the net for Spurs, but referee Steve Bennett rather harshly ruled a single hand on Gareth Barry's shoulder warranted a free-kick instead of a goal.

Crouch came close 13 minutes from time when Fulop somehow managed to keep out his header, but when the England man got his next sight of goal five minutes later, he did not miss.

• A late strike from Matthew Etherington gave Stoke a shock win over Europa League finalists Fulham at Craven Cottage last night. The Stoke winger latched on to Ricardo Fuller's cross to inflict Fulham's fifth home defeat of the season.