Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen was the matchwinner as the North Londoners moved a step closer to Champions League qualification via a 1-0 home win over relegation battlers Brighton and Hove Albion.
Champions League semifinalists Spurs knew that only a win would be enough to boost their hopes of making it back to Europe’s premier club competition next season but they had to work for it against a determined Brighton side.
The Seagulls are fighting for survival in just their second season back in the top flight after a long absence.
Tottenham controlled possession for the majority of the first half but they struggled to fashion out chances against a resolute Brighton rearguard as both teams settled for a goalless draw at the halftime interval.
The hosts continued to pile up the pressure which eventually paid off in the second half.
Brighton frustrated the home side for large parts of the second half before the aforementioned Eriksen broke the deadlock with a long range shot three minutes from time for his seventh goal of the season.
Christian Eriksen sent a reminder to Tottenham fans on what they might be missing if he leaves the club this summer with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United interested in him.
He has just a year left on his current deal with Tottenham Hotspur.
The win over Brighton took Spurs four points clear of Chelsea in fourth place.
