Tottenham's surprise challenge for the Premier League title gathered pace as a 2-0 win over Everton moved the north Londoners within three points of leaders Manchester City on Wednesday.

Harry Redknapp's side are now level on points with second placed Manchester United and hot on City's heels after goals from Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto shattered Everton's resistance at White Hart Lane.

England winger Lennon opened the scoring in the first half and Cameroon left-back Assou-Ekotto sealed the points with a majestic strike after the break. Spurs -- now nine points ahead of fifth placed rivals Arsenal -- have lost only one of their last 18 league games and must be regarded as genuine contenders for the English title for the first time in over 20 years.

This fixture was originally scheduled for the opening day of the season in August, but was postponed as a result of the London riots, presenting Tottenham with a valuable game in hand on their title rivals. After decades without even a sniff of a challenge at the top of the table, it was a real test of Tottenham's mettle and they passed with flying colours.