Spurs halted by 'white Defoe'

Palace midfielder Aki Riihilahti said: "I have seen a lot of strikers in my career and they are both world-class. Defoe and Andrew show unbelievable movement.

"They have very quick feet and a superb shot. They are young English players with a really special talent. They would be a constant threat to any team."

While Defoe's ability has been recognised with England caps, Sven-Goran Eriksson has overlooked Johnson. Riihilahti, however, anticipates a policy change.

He said: "I hope Andy gets a callup. He deserves it. Apart from scoring the goals, he works so hard for the team. That kind of player could do it at any level."

After Palace dominated the first half, Defoe opened the scoring in the 54th minute. The 22-year-old then celebrated by running the length of the field to hug goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

For some, it appeared he was trying to give credit to one of the unsung heroes of Spurs' recent surge up the table, but Defoe offered a simpler explanation. He said: "Robbo said to me before the game: 'Run to me if you score'. He's my mate, so I did."

His goal looked likely to give Martin Jol's side their sixth successive Premiership win until Johnson struck with 11 minutes remaining.

The result extends Palace's extraordinary run at White Hart Lane, where they have not lost a league match since 1980. It also means Spurs now have only one victory in their last 20 Premiership London derbies.

Riihilahti said: "Coming away with a point against a team that have won five in a row is a great result. We deserved a draw, particularly as we created a lot of chances in the first half. There are three teams below us and we have to keep it that way."

After a Christmas period in which they have only played struggling sides, Spurs now face highf lying Everton followed by Manchester United.

Pamarot insists morale remains high, adding: "We have been on a good run so teams are going to make things much harder for us. We have to keep the same mentality we have shown recently."