Carr's wrong turn to Newcastle

Head coach Martin Jol believes wins in their remaining three home games - against West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Blackburn - could be sufficient.

He said: "Europe is still on everybody's minds. But we still have to play at Liverpool and Arsenal, which will be difficult.

"We need to do better away from home, so it was good that we managed to take three points. If we can continue to get the points from the home games, we are in with a chance."

As so often this season, Jermain Defoe proved Spurs' matchwinner. He took advantage of a kicking blunder by keeper Steve Harper to score his 23rd goal of the season shortly before half-time.

Newcastle should have equalised at the start of the second half when a communication breakdown between Paul Robinson and Ledley King presented James Milner with an open goal 20 yards out, but his chip missed the target.

A draw would have been harsh on Spurs, who were by far the more positive side. They should have sealed the win in the closing minutes when Fredi Kanoute scooped the ball over with only Harper to beat.

Spurs captain King said: "I thought we deserved the three points and, to be honest, we dominated the Cup game against Newcastle as well. They have quality players and are always going to be tough but I thought we did a good job."

With Nicky Butt, Amdy Faye, Jermaine Jenas and the inconsistent Laurent Robert in midfield, Graeme Souness's side looked short on both pace and creativity. Spurs' players must now be hoping for a similar showing against Manchester United when, due to the mechanics of European qualification, they will also temporariliy turn into Arsenal fans.

A United-Arsenal final will of course mean UEFA Cup qualification for next season extends to seventh in the Premiership.

Midfielder Michael Brown said: "We want Arsenal and Manchester United to win because hopefully it will create another spot, but, even if that doesn't happen, we will still be going for sixth.

"We are not looking too far ahead, though, we just have to focus on Liverpool on Saturday and try to get a result there.

"It was a fantastic result for us against Newcastle, it was the one we wanted, and, as a home game we knew we had to win it and we did." Brown is doubtful for the trip to Anfield after limping off with a bruised foot in the second half.

Striker Mido is another concern. The Egyptian was left out of the squad yesterday due to a groin injury.