Tottenham Hotspur closed on securing a Champions League berth next season after a 1-1 away draw with closest challengers Arsenal on Saturday. Robbie Keane scored a controversial opener in the 66th minute and Arsenal captain Thierry Henry saved the day for his side with an 84th minute equalizer. The draw kept Tottenham, whom Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' plays for, in fourth spot on 62 points with two matches to go, four ahead of fifth-place Arsenal who have one match in hand. Mido couldn't take part in the North London derby, the last one to be staged at the Highbury, due to a groin injury. The visitors played the crucial last five minutes with ten men after Edgar Davids received his marching orders after collecting a second booking. Arsenal started without Henry, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue to give them some rest before the decisive second leg of the Champions League semis against Villarreal at El Madrigal on Tuesday.
Tottenham dominated the first period but were kept at bay till Davids benefited from a collision between Eboue, who was fielded after the break, and Gilberto Silva in the midfield and crossed for Keane who converted the ball home. The home side protested the goal because the Dutchman didn't stop the play for the injury and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger exchanged angry words with his opposite number Martin Jol on the touchline. Henry put his side level six minute from time when he was set-up by Emmanuel Adebayor before sending a brilliant finish into the far bottom corner of the net. Elsewhere, Matthew Taylor converted a venomous penalty-kick just three minutes before the final whistle to give Portsmouth a precious 2-1 victory over Sunderland. The victory lift Portsmouth to 17th spot on 35 points, two ahead of Birmingham who were held to a goalless draw at Everton earlier on the same day. In Newcastle, Shola Ameobi pinned a brace to help Newcastle crush West Ham United 3-0.
