Manchester United's Fabio Da Silva set for Cardiff City switch

Manchester United's Fabio Da Silva is set to join Premier League strugglers Cardiff City.

The 23-year-old Brazil international has scored three times in 56 appearances since joining United from Fluminese in July 2008. He has made one league appearance since ending a loan spell at QPR last May. Fabio, who can play full-back or midfield and is twin brothers with United's Rafael, is due to have a medical at Cardiff on Sunday. He will strengthen a Cardiff team, who are managed by former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and sit bottom of the table, one point from safety.
Cardiff, who visit United on Tuesday, are also set to sign Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones with Peter Odemwingie moving in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal.

Arsenal vs Coventry

Arsenal vs Coventry 4-0

Arsenal eased into the FA Cup fifth round thanks to Lukas Podolski's two goals against Coventry City.

Mesut Ozil fed Podolski, who rounded keeper Joe Murphy to fire home, and the striker added a close-range header from Per Mertesacker's flick-on.
League One side Coventry rallied in the second half, with Leon Clarke hitting the post, but Olivier Giroud ended any doubt with a third from 12 yards out.
Santi Cazorla got a late fourth from a similar range.
Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005 but remain in the hunt in three tournaments this season - the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
They lead the league table by one point from free-scoring Manchester City, and face holders Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.

So it may be that the FA Cup will be Arsene Wenger's best hope of ending that nine-year barren run and, perhaps with that in mind, he named a strong line-up.

Podolski, who wasted chances to score a hat-trick, made his second start since August following a hamstring injury, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was starting for the first time since the opening day.
Coventry have had a trying season, playing their home games over 30 miles away in Northampton and starting the League One campaign on -10 points.
However, coach Steven Pressley has done an impressive job, leading them up to 11th in the table, and before the match he talked up their chances of winning and said they needed to be "aggressive in possession".
But for the first half of the game, they barely saw the ball.
Arsenal dominated from the start, with Jack Wilshere firing a shot wide within three minutes and Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain blazing over.
The Gunners opened the scoring when Ozil played a perfectly weighted ball to Podolski, who went around Murphy to fire home.
Coventry had only one chance in the first half but it was one of the moves of the game as Carl Baker ran 60 yards and hit a shot from outside the box which Lukasz Fabianski had to tip over.

Mohamed Salah: Chelsea agree deal to sign Basel midfielder

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Egypt midfielder Mohamed Salah from Swiss champions Basel for a fee in the region of £11m.

Salah, 21, is yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms, but is expected to move to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool had held talks with Basel with hope of making Salah their first signing of the January transfer window.

The Blues agreed to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United on Wednesday.

United's club-record £37m move for Mata appears to have encouraged Chelsea to move swiftly for Salah, who would become their third signing of the January transfer window after the arrivals of Nemanja Matic and Bertrand Traore.
His potential capture will also offer Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho a further attacking option, following Kevin De Bruyne's move to Wolfsburg.
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of their 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah," read a statement on the club's website.
Salah, who can operate in a variety of attacking roles, has been tracked by a number of clubs after impressive displays in the Europa League last season and this year's Champions League.
"Mohamed Salah Officially in @chelseafc", he wrote on Twitter.

Euro 2016 England among top seeds with Germany and Spain

England will avoid Germany and Spain in Euro 2016 qualifying after being named as one of the top seeds.

Italy, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Russia and Bosnia-Hercegovina are the other top seeds in qualifying.
The Republic of Ireland are among the second seeds, with Scotland and Wales among the fourth seeds and Northern Ireland among the fifth.
There will be eight groups of six and one group of five as teams aim to reach the 24-nation finals in France.
The draw will take place in Nice on 23 February.
Seedings are decided by Uefa's coefficient system, which is different to Fifa's world ranking.
France will also take part in qualifying, the first hosts to do so after a rule change, although no qualifying points will rest on their fixtures.
They will play in the finals whatever the outcome of their games.
Explaining the rule change, Uefa president Michel Platini said it was brought in because the hosts, who are normally exempt from qualifying, have found it hard in the past to arrange friendlies.
He added that France will join the group that includes five teams.
Gibraltar, taking part for the first time after being accepted as a Uefa member last year, will be kept apart from neighbours Spain in qualifying to avoid exacerbating political tensions.
Azerbaijan and Armenia will also be kept apart for the same reason, but Russia and Georgia, who do not share diplomatic ties following conflict between the two former Soviet republics in 2008, have agreed to play each other if drawn in the same pot.
There is also a change to the Euro 2016 fixture schedule, with qualifying matches spread over six days rather than being played on just Fridays and Tuesdays.
Uefa secretary general Gianni Infantino said the initiative was good news for fans, broadcasters and national associations.

Manchester United did not deserve to reach final, says David Moyes

Manchester United manager David Moyes admitted his side did not deserve to reach the Capital One Cup final after losing a penalty shootout to Sunderland at Old Trafford.

The Black Cats won 2-1 on penalties after a dramatic conclusion to extra-time to progress to Wembley, where they will face Manchester City on 2 March.
"I am disappointed. We didn't play well enough over the piece," said Moyes.
"If we were going to do it we were going to stumble over the line."
United had lost 2-1 in the first leg at the Stadium of Light, but levelled the tie on aggregate when Jonny Evans headed in eight minutes before half-time.
With no further goals before the end of 90 minutes, the game went to extra-time, where an error by United keeper David De Gea in the 118th minute gifted Phil Bardsley an equaliser on the night - and a goal that would have taken Sunderland to Wembley.
However, Javier Hernandez responded almost immediately when he tapped in from Adnan Januzaj's ball to force spot kicks.
Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones were off target for United and Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone denied Januzaj and then Rafael, with the latter save sending Gus Poyet's side into the final.

David Gold: West Ham are at a low point in their history

West Ham co-chairman David Gold says his club are at "a low point" in their history and face a "tough battle" to stay in the Premier League.

West Ham were beaten 9-0 on aggregate by Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-finals and are 18th in the Premier League table.

Continue reading the main story

“We know Sam has not lost his ambition or desire”

David Gold and David Sullivan in an open letter to supporters

"We must regroup and prepare for a tough relegation battle," said Gold, 77.

"[But] players are returning from injury and together we can survive."
Gold added on Twitter:  "We are out of both cup competitions having been beaten 5-0 and 9-0 - this is a low point in the history of our great club."
Sam Allardyce's side have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions and have won just four Premier League games all season.

786937738661666" data-ad-slot="4926521236" style="display: inline-block; height: 250px; width: 300px;"> Gold and his fellow co-owner David Sullivan issued an open letter to fans in support of boss Sam Allardyce following the 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Nottingham Forest and they are continuing to stand by their manager.
Striker Andy Carroll made his first start of the season on Tuesday, after nearly eight months out with a foot injury.

Roberto Mancini - I built current Manchester City team

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he has played his part in the team's success this season. Current boss Manuel Pellegrini has been credited with making City - who have scored 106 goals already this season - more attacking.

But Galatasaray coach Mancini, who left City last summer, says it is the players he bought who are responsible. "I'm happy that Manchester City is one of the best teams in England because I built this team," Mancini, 49, said. "The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri." After Mancini's departure, City recruited the likes of midfielder Fernandinho and striker Alvaro Negredo, who has already scored 23 goals in his first season. Pellegrini is targeting an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup. The Chilean boss has secured City's path to the knockout stages of the Champions League, something Mancini failed to do in two attempts.
Former Lazio and Inter Milan boss Mancini, who joined City in December 2009, guided the team to success in the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later. But after reportedly falling out with some of his players last season, he said he held no bitterness towards City over his sacking last summer, just days after his side were beaten by Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final at Wembley. "When you work, you know you can have some problem with the players, this is normal because the manager wants the players to work hard, play well and the players should understand this," he said. "When you change the manager, it is better maybe, because you change the way to work. "I think Pellegrini is doing a good job but what is happening now at Manchester City, we did three years ago. It's the same." The Italian added: "I'm very happy about what I did in Manchester, I love the Manchester City supporters and I had a fantastic experience.

Manchester United vs Sunderland

Manchester United vs Sunderland

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United will be without captain Nemanja Vidic as they seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.
The Serb begins a three-match suspension following his sending-off against Chelsea.

Patrice Evra limped off in that match, while Wayne Rooney and fellow striker Robin van Persie may again miss out.
Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher is a doubt with an Achilles injury.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar remain on the sidelines.

MATCH PREVIEW

David Moyes has swatted away any talk of a crisis at Old Trafford.
But the embattled Manchester United manager knows that if his side fail to win their League Cup semi-final, then he is unlikely to end his first season in charge with any major domestic silverware.
Their defeat to Chelsea means the prospect of retaining their Premier League title are looking increasingly slim.
They have won just one of their last five matches and the ease with which so many clubs have picked up once-rare victories at Old Trafford this season will give Sunderland real hope they can end their own 46-year winless streak at the Theatre of Dreams - and reach their first major cup final for 22 years.

Stoke City sign Juan Agudelo but fail to obtain work permit

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of United States international Juan Agudelo but were forced to send him on loan to FC Utrecht after failing to obtain a work permit for the striker.

The striker, who has 17 caps, signed from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution on a free transfer.
But the Premier League club's November bid for a work permit was rejected, and they cannot reapply until March.

They have sent Agudelo, 21, to the Dutch club until a second bid is made.

"We were surprised and bitterly disappointed when our application for a work permit was rejected by the appeals panel - as were many other people in the game," said chief executive Tony Scholes.
"It's still our view that Juan is a great talent and is a player that [manager] Mark Hughes would like to join our squad. We have therefore decided that we are going to reapply for a work permit at the earliest opportunity."
Stoke have already signed a striker in the January transfer window with the acquisition of John Guidetti, 21, on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season.

Ossie Ardiles involved in car accident in Falkland Islands

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Ossie Ardiles has had more than 20 stitches in his head after being involved in a car accident in the Falkland Islands.
Ardiles, 61, was believed to have been driving, with fellow ex-Argentina midfielder Ricky Villa a passenger. "My understanding is he is fine," said his eldest son, Pablo, speaking from his home in England. "He has 20 odd stitches in his head and my understanding is he has been hospitalised overnight. But he's fine." Ardiles and Villa are in the Falkland Islands to film a television documentary, which is being directed by Freddie Ardiles, the youngest of the former footballer's two sons. Four passengers have been released from hospital after treatment for minor injuries. Three others have been detained. "Ricky Villa and my brother were out there but they are OK and are back in the hotel," added Pablo.
"I don't know the exact details, but I understand my dad was driving and that he lost control somehow. I've heard reports he swerved to avoid a sheep but I can't confirm that. "The main thing is he is fine, they are all OK." Local emergency services and the British military attended the scene of the accident with those involved flown to King Edward Memorial hospital in Stanley. "I can confirm that there was a road traffic accident involving seven passengers last night in the Islands," a spokesperson from the Falkland Islands Government said. "Thankfully, due to the fast action of our rescue services and the British forces, they were successfully evacuated to hospital in Stanley, where their injuries were assessed. "Three members of the party remained in hospital overnight for observations and further treatment, and the remaining four were released from hospital following treatment for minor injuries." Ardiles moved to Tottenham in 1978 from Argentine club Huracan just a few months after winning the World Cup with his country. He spent 10 years at White Hart Lane, apart from a brief spell on loan at Paris St-Germain, and won both the FA Cup and Uefa Cup during his time with the London club. The diminutive midfielder went on to have spells with Blackburn, QPR and Swindon Town. He took over as manager of the Robins in 1989 before periods in charge of Newcastle, West Brom and Spurs.

Paul Ince - Blackpool boss sacked after less than a year in charge

Blackpool have sacked manager Paul Ince after less than a year in charge.

The 46-year-old was appointed in February 2013 following previous boss Michael Appleton's move to Blackburn.

The Seasiders were briefly top of the Championship this season after winning five of their opening six games, but have not won since 30 November.

Ince's departure was confirmed in a brief club statement  that also said midfielder Barry Ferguson will take charge of training on Thursday.

In October, Ince was given a five-match stadium ban by the Football Association, and he won only 12 out of 42 games as boss.
His last match was a 2-0 defeat at bottom club Barnsley on Saturday and his assistants, Alex Rae and Steve Thompson, have also left the club.
The Blackpool Supporters Association had taken a unanimous vote of no confidence in Ince on Monday evening.
And the BSA also produced a six-point letter to club chairman Karl Oyston,  giving their view that Ince's position was "untenable" and that his "tactics, attitude and results has destroyed the morale of Blackpool fans".
The former Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and England midfielder previously managed Macclesfield Town, MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers and Notts County.
At Stadium MK he won the League Two title and Football League Trophy before being given a chance in the Premier League by Blackburn.

But Ince was sacked by the Ewood Park club after less than six months, having won only six out of 21 games in all competitions - and after leaving Notts County in April 2011, he was out of work for almost two years before joining Blackpool on a one-year rolling contract.

He was given the task of keeping the club in the Championship and met that target as they finished last season in 15th place, five points above the relegation zone.
But a poor run of recent form, which brought just two points from their last 12 games and an FA Cup third-round defeat at Bolton, prompted Oyston to relieve Ince of his post.
Ince's son Tom remains a Blackpool player despite being repeatedly linked with moves to other clubs, most recently Monaco. 

Barcelona announce Nou Camp redevelopment plan

Barcelona will stay at their iconic Nou Camp stadium after announcing a £495m (600m euros) redevelopment, which will increase its capacity to 105,000. 

The Catalan club's directors voted against a proposal to move from the 99,354-seater ground to a new location at an extraordinary meeting on Monday.
The remodelling plan will go to Barca's 160,000 members, who collectively own the club, ahead of an April referendum.

The Nou Camp was "an icon of the city", said president Sandro Rosell.

Matches would still be played while the work - which could be finished by 2021 - is carried out.

"It has been an important decision for the club - the most important in the last 50 years," added Rosell.
"The option of building a new stadium on a new site has been dismissed as the final cost could have saddled the club and its members with debt and tied the hands of future boards of directors.
"This was a difficult decision, both options were very attractive but we decided to go ahead and stay."
The Spanish champions insist the restructured stadium will still be known as the Nou Camp, but added naming rights could be sold.
The club said the redevelopment, which will see a roof built to cover all spectators but not the playing surface, would generate an extra £24m of revenue per season.
Board member Javier Faus, who added that the cost of the redevelopment would be repaid within eight years, said the move was necessary for Barca to continue competing with Europe's other leading clubs.
"We don't want to bankrupt the club for 30 to 40 years," he added. "We won't take money from the club members or outside investors. The club will run the proposals with our own resources."
The redevelopment, if approved by members, would begin in May 2017 and be completed in February 2021.

Premier League West Brom vs Everton

West Brom vs Everton

New West Brom head coach Pepe Mel faces a potential striker shortage for his first game in charge on Monday.

Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon are both injury doubts and Shane Long has joined Hull.
Everton defender Sylvain Distin is likely to be available after a three-match absence with a hamstring strain.
New signing Aiden McGeady could make his debut, but defender Antolin Alcaraz and midfielder Ross Barkley are still on the sidelines.

MATCH PREVIEW

Pepe Mel will hope to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors such as Mowbray, Di Matteo, Hodgson and Clarke by avoiding defeat in his first match in charge of West Brom.
He says: "My plan is to win, it is my only mentality and I hope to see the fans doing the 'boing-boing' very soon."

Albion have moved away from their yo-yo existence of previous years but some have described this appointment as a gamble in the club's fourth successive season in the top flight.

Mel could have inherited a far more threatening scenario had it not been for Keith Downing and Dean Kiely. The pair deserve credit for providing much-needed stability during the managerial uncertainty, and last weekend's setback at Southampton was the club's first league defeat since Steve Clarke was removed.
Mel, sacked by Real Betis in December with the club bottom of La Liga, knows all about the pressures of relegation. However, his overall record in Spain was good but there will be no honeymoon period at The Hawthorns.
His first priority will be to navigate Albion away from the cluster of clubs in the congested corridor above the trapdoor.
There was a time when Everton would flirt with relegation, but continuity brought consistency under David Moyes and Roberto Martinez has built on that platform to now challenge for a Champions League place. This is their best return after 21 games of a season in 35 years.
The match sees the return to The Hawthorns of Romelu Lukaku, who was involved in a tug of war between the two clubs for his services on deadline day in August.
His 17 goals on loan at West Brom last season ensured his popularity but whether it's still intact after he opted for Everton because they were "a more prominent club" remains to be seen.
What might increase the angst of Albion fans is that Lukaku is due a goal after scoring just one sincethe end of November, but you would have to say his choice of Everton has been vindicated.

Norwich City: 'Hughton out' banner spurred us on, says Ryan Bennett

Norwich City defender Ryan Bennett says a banner calling for manager Chris Hughton to be sacked spurred on the players to beat Hull 1-0 on Saturday.

A banner reading "Hughton Out" was held up by supporters before Tuesday's FA Cup replay defeat at Fulham.
"We turned up for Fulham and there's a banner as we're getting off the coach," Bennett told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"There's no need for that. You see that and it spurs you on and you don't understand what they're thinking."

The 3-0 loss at Craven Cottage provoked an angry reaction from sections of the Norwich support, who were concerned with the club's form.

But victory over Hull ended a six-game run without a win in the Premier League and moved the Canaries up to 12th, five points clear of the relegation zone.
It also helped relieve the pressure on Hughton.

"The fans are entitled to their opinion whether we agree with it or not," said Bennett, whose 87th-minute header proved the difference at the weekend.
"But we went out there to do the best for the whole group, that's the staff and players.
"Hopefully people who are grumbling can start to relax and maybe get behind us a bit more."
Hughton's players joined together in a huddle after Bennett's winner, in what the 23-year-old said was a show of solidarity.
"We knew how big the game was. The lads are really close here," he added.
"We were getting some stick from the fans. Even at half-time there were a lot of grumbles.
"I think it's a solidarity we've got between ourselves. We wanted to get together, off the cuff at that time."

West Brom sponsor Zoopla to end deal at close of the season

West Brom sponsor Zoopla have decided to end their sponsorship of the club at the end of the season over Nicolas Anelka's "quenelle" gesture.

Anelka made the sign, described as an inverted Nazi salute, after scoring against West Ham on 28 December 2013.
The Football Association is investigating the gesture.
West Brom have continued to pick Anelka since the incident at Upton Park and the striker has promised not to repeat the celebration.
The property company said in a statement: "Zoopla has been reviewing its position over the past few weeks in light of the actions of striker, Nicolas Anelka, during the match against West Ham over the Christmas period.

"It has decided to focus its attention on other marketing activities after this season."
The agreement was due to finish at the end of the season and Zoopla have decided not to renew.
The FA has brought in an "expert regarding the salient issues related to the gesture", which Anelka made after scoring in a 3-3 draw at Upton Park.
There is a possibility he could be handed a lengthy ban should he be charged and found guilty.
Anelka said he made the gesture in support of performer Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, whom the French government has tried to ban from making the sign at his shows.
West Brom host Everton in the Premier League on Monday.

Premier League Chelsea vs Manchester United

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that new £21m signing Nemanja Matic will not start against Manchester United.

Fellow midfielder Frank Lampard could return from a calf problem but Branislav Ivanovic remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Manchester United manager David Moyes has ruled out strikers Wayne Rooney (groin) and Robin van Persie (thigh) for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Defender Fabio serves the last of his three-match ban.
The two sides have experienced contrasting fortunes this season. With six league defeats United are seventh in the table, while Chelsea know victory will see them move to within two points of leaders Arsenal.
Despite overseeing a troubled start to his reign as United boss, Moyes has insisted his side can still be title contenders.
"There are still plenty of games to go," he said. "We have got a long way to go to catch up but we have got to believe there's a chance."
Opposite number Mourinho is in his second spell at Chelsea - having left in 2007 after winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
The Portuguese insisted his club are "not desperate" to win the title this season, despite looking to extend a four-game winning run in the league.
"We are making a transition between the Chelsea of the last decade and Chelsea of the next decade," Mourinho told BBC Football Focus. "We want stability and not to lose our winning DNA, so we are doing both things at the same time, but we will try to fight for the title until the end.
"This is a period in time I can build a very, very good team, not just me but the club, board and the owner."

MATCH PREVIEW

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. It's the tale of Mourinho versus Manchester United.
Chapter one started with a mad March hare-like sprint down the Old Trafford touchline back in the spring of 2004 as Costinha's last-minute goal for FC Porto won a Champions League second-round tie.

Chapter two, five months later, was Mourinho's first fixture in English football; it ended in a Chelsea win.

Turn the pages and the plot has thickened as these games against United seem to stand like landmarks measuring the highs and lows of Mourinho's story; bringing one of his conspicuous failures when at Inter, one of his major successes at Real Madrid.
In all, with four clubs, Mourinho has faced Manchester United 17 times, losing only twice.
The latest meeting also went the Portuguese's way. Back in August he travelled to Old Trafford with getting a draw plainly on his agenda. He stifled the life out of United and the game and got the goalless stalemate he wanted.
Mourinho's plan for these games against his biggest rivals seems to be to draw away and win at home, and it's working. Chelsea also drew 0-0 in a tedious pre-Christmas bore-fest at Arsenal, drew at Spurs with 10-men and they've beaten Manchester City and Liverpool at the Bridge. So far, so good.
Can Manchester United derail the master plan? It would be the best result yet for David Moyes at United if they do, easily surpassing the crushing victory in Leverkusen.
If United were to lose it would leave them 12 points adrift of Chelsea with only 16 more games to play and surely with far too much to do to even get a mention in the final chapter of the title story.
Even a United win wouldn't catapult them back into the title reckoning, but it could do a huge amount to repair their damaged confidence.
United have won five of their last six league games and are certainly entitled to believe that the top four is an achievable goal. But if they're to do that they need some landmarks wins of their own somewhere. Stamford Bridge would be the best place to start.

Premier League Swansea vs Tottenham

TEAM NEWS

Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm, striker Roland Lamah and defender Dwight Tiendalli may return after respective knee, abductor and hamstring injuries.

Wingers Pablo Hernandez and Nathan Dyer could also be available after injury, but Jonathan de Guzman remains out with an ankle problem.
Spurs winger Andros Townsend scored for the under-21 side in midweek on his return from a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Sandro is also expected to return after a month out.

MATCH PREVIEW

Swansea City's name barely gets a mention when the pundits offer up their considered thoughts on which three clubs will be relegated from the Premier League this season. Maybe they're fooled by the Swans position in the table.
They are 13th heading into the weekend. It sounds safe, but a three-point advantage over the drop zone is the far less convincing reality.
Add a winless run of seven games, including four defeats in five, and it becomes easy to appreciate why many fans are becoming concerned.

Injuries haven't helped their cause and maybe the extra workload brought by progressing to the last 32 of the Europa League has had a negative impact too.

They've already played 10 matches in the competition and wouldn't be the first club to struggle to cope with the Thursday-Sunday schedule.
Napoli await in the next round and Swans boss Michael Laudrup will want more than a few Premier League points added before the Italian giants roll up at the Liberty in a month's time.
Recent history suggests the Dane won't get many, if any, against Tottenham who have won the last four meetings between the clubs. Gareth Bale was amongst the scorers on their last visit to Wales in March, while a Roberto Soldado penalty secured victory at White Hart Lane earlier this season.
Like Swansea, Spurs are also through to the knockout stages of the Europa League but their squad boasts the depth and experience to handle a hectic fixture list.
Since Tim Sherwood became head coach their league form has improved dramatically too, picking up 13 points out of a possible 15 to rejuvenate hopes of a top-four finish.
Suddenly Spurs are scoring again. The return from the cold of Emmanuel Adebayor and of Christian Eriksen after injury has helped enormously.
Swansea have never beaten Tottenham in the Premier League and I don't expect that to change just yet with Welsh worries intensifying and Spurs still soaring come Sunday teatime.

Premier League Norwich vs Hull

Norwich vs Hull 1-0

Ryan Bennett's late header earned struggling Norwich City a vital victory over Hull and eased the pressure on manager Chris Hughton.

Bennett headed in from a corner to secure a first home Premier League success since November and relieve the tension after a frustrating afternoon.
Tigers debutant Nikica Jelavic hit the post inside two minutes, but the hosts had the better chances after that.
Hull's miserable day got worse when Tom Huddlestone was sent off late on.
The midfielder was dismissed for a second yellow card, seemingly ending Hull's hopes of an equaliser, but they might still have salvaged something in injury time only for Curtis Davies to head wide when well placed.
Hull's shocking away record - just five points on the road this season - hardly gave cause for much pre-match optimism, even against a Norwich side who had not won at home since beating Crystal Palace on 30 November.

But the Tigers started in the same impressive manner they had maintained for long spells before eventually succumbing to an Eden Hazard-inspired Chelsea last Saturday.

Jelavic looked busy and dangerous throughout but spurned a wonderful chance to make an impact inside two minutes of his debut, hitting the outside of the post with a left-footed strike after a fine move involving Liam Rosenior and Robert Koren.
Rosenior then had a difficult opportunity at the far post, which he volleyed wide.
But the hosts began to settle and Hull's early rhythm seemed further affected by a defensive reshuffle that saw the injured James Chester replaced by Maynor Figueroa.
With Robert Snodgrass increasingly influential in midfield, Norwich started to dominate possession and create chances.
Summer signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel was unlucky not to grab his second Canaries goal with a smart turn and half-volley, but he could not swivel in time to get his close-range effort on target following a Snodgrass header.

Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson also both had decent long-range strikes saved.

And Scotland international Snodgrass sent over a series of teasing crosses, two of which could easily have resulted in headed goals for van Wolfswinkel.
Hull, whose other recent signing Shane Long, was denied a debut because of an ankle injury, ended the first half strongly but Norwich were the more threatening side after the interval.
Nevertheless, a series of blocked shots was as close as the hosts had come to a goal, despite mounting pressure, until Bennett rose to head in his first goal for the club when Tigers keeper Allan McGregor flapped at a late corner.
Davies could still have earned an unlikely point after Huddlestone was sent off, but the Canaries held on to pick up the three points that move them up to 12th, level on points with Hull.

Premier League Sunderland vs Southampton

Sunderland vs Southampton 2-2

Adam Johnson's fourth goal in two games helped Sunderland come back from 2-0 down to draw against Southampton.

Jay Rodriguez arrowed in a low 22-yard strike to put the visitors ahead and a steered Dejan Lovren volley from a corner extended the lead.
Fabio Borini's shot on the turn then pulled one back for the Black Cats.
Southampton missed several chances and were punished when Johnson powered in a rising shot, with Steven Fletcher having a late Sunderland chance saved.
A home corner fell to Fletcher four yards out but he was denied when Southampton keeper Artur Boruc blocked his effort at point-blank range during a frantic finish.
It is only the second point Sunderland have earned after being behind this season but was not enough to lift them out of the bottom three.
Southampton dominated large parts of the match and injuries to Lovren and substitute Gaston Ramirez - both of whom were carried off on stretchers - will add to the disappointment for Mauricio Pochettino on his first anniversary as manager.

Premier League Crystal Palace vs Stoke

Crystal Palace vs Stoke 1-0

Jason Puncheon scored the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace moved off the bottom of the Premier League table with a victory against Stoke. Puncheon missed a penalty in the defeat at Tottenham last week but capitalised on Oussama Assaidi's error to score with a low shot just after half-time.
Stoke's best chance of the match saw Marc Wilson's header pushed wide by Julian Speroni in the first half. The win moves Tony Pulis's side 16th, two points behind former club Stoke. The Eagles were three points from safety when Pulis took over in November and although they are still struggling for goals - Puncheon's was just their 14th in 22 Premier League matches - they are now looking more than capable of survival. This was their sixth victory of the season and a fourth in 10 since Pulis took over. Now winless in five matches, his former club Stoke are drifting into relegation trouble and face a key game against Sunderland next. Pulis, who left Stoke at the end of last season, was given a warm reception from the Potters fans before a first half in which each side was limited to just one chance of note. Joel Ward wasted a good early opportunity for the hosts when he glanced wide from Yannick Bolasie's cross.
At the other end, Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni pushed a Wilson header from Charlie Adam's free-kick around the post, while Stoke defender Erik Pieters thumped wide after a neat touch took him past Bolasie. The visitors almost began the second half in style when Adam collected a header from Jon Walters and beat two players before driving wide from just outside the area. But instead it was Palace who broke the deadlock, Puncheon putting them ahead with his second goal of the season after some tame Stoke defending. Assaidi won the ball from Adrian Mariappa in his own area but passed inside - straight to Puncheon - rather than clearing, and the Palace winger was given the room to prod a low shot into the bottom corner. Walters headed high and wide from Assaidi's deep cross and Adam also thumped wide from distance as Stoke sought to respond. As the home side were forced back, Peter Crouch also bent a shot just past the post, and Mark Hughes then introduced on-loan Manchester City striker John Guidetti as they pressed forward urgently. Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland's triple save from Ward, Puncheon and Stuart O'Keefe kept his team's chances alive. The visitors' desperation was summed up by centre-back Ryan Shawcross playing out the final minutes in attack, but they could not find an equaliser and Butland had to produce a save to deny Puncheon a second.

Premier League Newcastle vs West Ham

Newcastle vs West Ham 3-1

West Ham dropped back into the bottom three as Newcastle ended a run of three league losses with a win at Upton Park. Victory for Crystal Palace means the pressure is back on Hammers boss Sam Allardyce after his team were outfought for long periods by the lively Magpies.
Yohan Cabaye gave Newcastle the lead with a well-placed shot and Loic Remy poked in before the deficit was reduced when Mike Williamson found his own net. Cabaye added his second in stoppage time with a free-kick from 20 yards. It could have been a different result for the hosts had Carlton Cole not skewed Matt Taylor's delivery wide from six yards or Andy Carroll sent his volley into orbit from only slightly further out. However, anything but a victory would have been unjust for Newcastle who were particularly impressive in the first half, while Hammers fans witnessed another exasperating display that rarely troubled visiting keeper Tim Krul. The sublime Cabaye opened the scoring after 16 minutes when he sidestepped Razvan Rat before placing his shot into Adrian's bottom left-hand corner. Remy, who earlier had a shot deflected a foot wide of the post, added the second, and his 11th of the season, soon after when he controlled Moussa Sissoko's right-wing cross with his chest before poking past the Spanish keeper.
Cabaye came close to making it 3-0 when his shot was kept out by Adrian's brilliant one-handed save and, after a 5-0 thumping at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and a 6-0 loss at Manchester City in the Capital One Cup, home fans must have feared another drubbing was on the cards. But just before half-time, West Ham were back in it when Williamson bundled into his own net after Cole's initial shot was blocked by Krul. And the home side built on that timely boost to put more pressure on Newcastle's defence in the second half. They should have equalised when Taylor's sumptuous cross was fired horribly wide by Cole. And then fellow striker Carroll, introduced with 30 minutes remaining as he continues his comeback from injury, made a terrible connection with Stewart's Downing cross from eight yards. How Allardyce could have done with the finishing of Cabaye who, with moments of the match remaining, sealed Newcastle's sixth away win of the season with a free-kick from 20 yards that went in off the upright.

Premier League Arsenal vs Fulham

Arsenal vs Fulham 2-0

Santi Cazorla scored twice as Arsenal beat Fulham to secure a fifth successive top-flight win to remain top of the Premier League. Fulham had frustrated the Gunners and went close when a Steve Sidwell half-volley was smartly saved.
But Cazorla slotted in after an intricate one-touch passing move to break the visiting side's resistance. The Spaniard latched on to a clearance and drove in a low 20-yard strike to seal the victory. The Gunners had initially been frustrated by Fulham but were rewarded for their patience and persistence as they continued their impressive home form. Arsenal have dropped just four points and conceded only three goals in 10 home league games since an opening-day 3-1 defeat by Aston Villa. The Cottagers are a point off the relegation zone and, after a 4-1 home loss against Sunderland last week, can take some encouragement from a performance which contained a greater degree of defensive resilience. The omens had not been promising for Fulham heading into the match against the league leaders as they had the fewest clean sheets and had conceded the most goals in the top flight. And it seemed the visitors might be in for a long afternoon when Mesut Ozil ran onto a Jack Wilshere pass early on and saw a shot beat keeper Maarten Stekelenburg before it was cleared by Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.
However, the visitors quickly tightened up and the discipline with which they defended in numbers frustrated Arsenal. Fulham grew in confidence the longer the game remained goalless and Sidwell had a well-struck shot parried by Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish goalkeeper also gathered at the feet of Alexander Kacaniklic when the Fulham midfielder's touch let him down as he raced through on goal following Dimitar Berbatov's pass. At the other end, Arsenal were limited to a Bacary Sagna shot being saved by Stekelenburg, who also impressively kept out the follow-up from the offside Olivier Giroud, before the break. Fulham had drawn at the Emirates on their last two visits and almost took the lead when Berbatov had a shot blocked by Mathieu Flamini, before a Dan Burn header from the follow-up was cleared by Olivier Giroud. The chance spurred Arsenal into a greater urgency and Serge Gnabry jinked across the edge of the area and had a shot fended away by Stekelenburg. Sagna then slid in to meet a Cazorla free-kick but had his effort cleared off the line by Burn before follow-up shots from Koscielny and Gnabry were blocked.

AC Milan Clarence Seedorf is appointed as new manager

Clarence Seedorf has been appointed the new manager of AC Milan. 

The 37-year-old Dutchman, who played for the Serie A giants from 2002 until 2012, has replaced Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked on Monday after a poor start to the season.
Seedorf had been playing for Botafogo in Brazil but announced on Tuesday he was ending his 22-year playing career to take up the role at his former club.
"You can't say that I'm back as I never really left," he said.
"We have a lot to do to get the club back where it belongs and I'm very happy to be back here.
on Monday after a poor start to the season.
Seedorf had been playing for Botafogo in Brazil but announced on Tuesday he was ending his 22-year playing career to take up the role at his former club.
"You can't say that I'm back as I never really left," he said.
"We have a lot to do to get the club back where it belongs and I'm very happy to be back here.

"At the moment, I feel very emotional and I also feel a sense of duty. I have to give 100% to rebuild, and to give enthusiasm and a sense of security. We can look to do important things for the fans. I left Milan in May 2012 at the end of a cycle. My job now is to open a new one."

Milan are currently 11th in the Italian top flight, and 30 points behind leaders Juventus.
Allegri's sacking came after Milan lost 4-3 to minnows Sassuolo on Sunday.
Former Netherlands international Seedorf made more than 400 appearances for Milan, helping them win two Serie A and two Champions League titles.

Kenwyne Jones left out of Stoke City squad after refusing to play

Stoke City's Kenwyne Jones will be left out for Saturday's game at Crystal Palace after refusing to play in last weekend's defeat against Liverpool. 

Manager Mark Hughes confirmed reports that the striker,  29, sent a text message to him last Saturday night to say he was unavailable for selection.
Jones, whose contract expires this summer, was also fined two weeks' wages for missing Sunday's 5-3 defeat.
"Maybe the events of last weekend are still in his mind," said Hughes.
"Sometimes you make mistakes and on this occasion Kenwyne made a mistake. I accept that sometimes that can happen."
The Trinidad and Tobago international has made seven league appearances without a goal this season, although he has scored five in cup competitions.
"I was disappointed and Kenwyne has been fined because it is not something that should happen," said Hughes.
The Stoke manager also refused to be drawn on rumours linking Jones with Everton.
Hughes said: "Maybe that's the problem - that maybe people are telling him there are clubs in for him.
"We've had no contact from anybody in this window, so maybe the information isn't what it seems from the outside.
"But we'll have to wait and see. The transfer window is open and a lot of things happen in a window."

Southampton Mauricio Pochettino to decide long-term future in May

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino will make a decision on his long-term future at the end of the season.

Pochettino has committed his immediate future to Saints following the departure of chairman Nicola Cortese.

He has 17 months left on his deal and said it would make "no sense" for him to leave in the middle of the campaign.
"At the end of the season, we will assess the situation and then we will decide whether I am apt to stay at the football club," he told BBC Sport.
"I am fully committed until the end of the season and taking this club as high as possible.
"It is only normal that we finish the season and then we will see what happens."
On Thursday, the Argentine met club owner Katharina Liebherr, who installed herself as non-executive chairman following Wednesday's departure of Cortese.
Pochettino sought assurances about the club's future direction amid rumours Liebherr is keen to sell.
It was only his second meeting with her since he replaced Nigel Adkins as manager a year ago.
The meeting lasted only five minutes, but Liebherr insisted she fully supported the 41-year-old manager, who admitted to a sleepless night following the Italian's exit.
Pochettino said in the summer he would leave St Mary's if Cortese departed, but explained the circumstances were very different now.
He also stated he intends to see out his contract at the club.
"They are different moments," he said. "When I came here, it was to keep the club in the Premier League. After that, a new project started.

Vincent Kompany - Man City quadruple a matter of time

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says it is only a matter of time before the club complete a record haul of four major trophies in a season. City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to mark his debut season in England by securing all four trophies they are in.

And Kompany, 27, says it is inevitable that City will do the quadruple at some stage in the near future. "We can't promise it will happen now, but eventually it will have to happen," said the Belgium defender. "We are the players at the moment who have been chosen to do it. If it's not us then it will be other players. "This club definitely has a target to win every competition possible." Pellegrini's side are second in the Premier League table, lead West Ham 6-0 after the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final and face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.
They progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday with a 5-0 replay victory over Blackburn Rovers. City's neighbours Manchester United secured the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 1998-99. Kompany also credits Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini as manager last summer, with the greater attacking intent City have shown this season. City have scored 99 goals this season from 33 matches and average four goals a game at home, with 64 from 16 fixtures. "He's very offensive-minded and I think that's shown in our results and the way we play," Kompany said. "I think we have been one of the best teams to watch in the Premier League so far."

England Premier League Liverpool vs Stoke

Liverpool vs Stoke 5-3

Luis Suarez scored twice as Liverpool recorded their first victory at Stoke in the Premier League to move five points behind leaders Manchester City. They took a 2-0 lead in the first half following an own goal from Ryan Shawcross and a strike from Suarez. Stoke hit back through a Peter Crouch header and a superb Charlie Adam shot. Steven Gerrard made it 3-2 from the spot and Suarez fired in an angled shot before Jon Walters's strike, but Daniel Sturridge sealed the win late on. That last goal came with three minutes of the 90 remaining, which still was enough time for Crouch to head against the post and for Simon Mignolet to produce an outstanding save to prevent Gerrard from scoring an own goal. In total, there were 13 efforts on goal from each side at the Britannia Stadium, a venue where Stoke had only conceded seven goals in their previous 10 league fixtures. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be bemoaning his side's defending, as will opposite number Mark Hughes, but the Irishman will be thrilled by the reunion of Sturridge and Suarez in attack. England international Sturridge, who had not played because of an ankle injury since 23 November, came on in the 66th minute and five minutes later provided the assist for Suarez's second. And with three minutes remaining, the Uruguay forward found his partner, who then scored the fifth as the Reds climbed from sixth to fourth. Liverpool began brilliantly and were in cruise control up until six minutes before the break. Shawcross inadvertently found the net after Aly Cissokho's drive took a huge deflection off his leg, before Suarez capitalised on errors from Marc Wilson and the goalscorer to slot in the second. Stoke's riposte to going two goals down was commendable. They reduced the arrears when Austrian winger Marko Arnautovic, in the team for the ineligible Oussama Assaidi, flung in a ball from the left which Crouch guided into Mignolet's bottom right. They then levelled in spectacular style when another ex-Red, Adam, drove forward and launched a ferocious shot from 20 yards that easily beat the Belgium keeper. However, Liverpool were back in front six minutes after the restart. Once again it was a defensive mistake - and once again it was Wilson. The Republic of Ireland defender, in an attempt to find a team-mate, played the ball to the effervescent Raheem Sterling. The Liverpool winger, who seemed to control the ball with his hand, sped into the area before he was pushed over by Wilson, who was trying to atone for his initial mistake. Captain Gerrard, who was playing in a holding midfield role on his 650th appearance for the club, slotted in his spot-kick to Jack Butland's left. And Liverpool twisted the knife once more when substitute Sturridge jinked one way then the other before playing in Suarez, who smacked an angled drive that nestled in the bottom left. It should have been game over, but there was still time for one more Stoke response when Walters was quick to pick up the loose ball in the area before firing in past the reach of Mignolet. With Stoke pouring forward in search of an equaliser, they were left exposed at the back allowing Suarez to break and find Sturridge. The ex-Chelsea player's initial strike was saved by Butland, but he stayed alert to pick up the follow-up, juggle the ball and fire in at the far post.

England Premier League Manchester City vs Newcastle

Manchester City vs Newcastle 2-0

Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League as they overcame a Newcastle side for whom Cheick Tiote had a goal controversially disallowed.

Edin Dzeko slid in to give City an early lead and control of the contest.

But Tiote's long-range blast, ruled out after an offside Yoan Gouffran was judged to have interfered with play, sparked the hosts into life.

Samir Nasri was hurt by a Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa tackle before Alvaro Negredo's breakaway goal sealed victory.

Victory for Arsenal at Aston Villa on Monday would ensure Manchester City's stay at the top of the table is short-lived.

Nonetheless, the win at St James' Park takes City's season's tally to 94 goals - one more than in the entire 2012-13 campaign - and improves their previously suspect away form to four victories in their last five league games on the road.

City will rightly have complaints about a crude second-half tackle by Yanga-Mbiwa that resulted in Nasri being taken off on a stretcher and only a yellow card awarded to the Newcastle man, but the Magpies are likely to be just as aggrieved by referee Mike Jones's performance.

His decision to rule out what initially seemed a legitimate leveller from Tiote just after the half-hour mark left Newcastle manager Alan Pardew incensed and bewildered on the sidelines.

His side, fuelled by a sense of injustice, responded with a spirited performance but they ultimately lacked the quality up front to right what they saw as a wrong.

City have no such shortcomings and the intelligence and speed of their attacking movement had already pulled apart Newcastle as the impressive Aleksandar Kolarov surged beyond Gouffran to supply a low cross for Dzeko to steer into the roof of the net in the eighth minute.

Newcastle's pretty passing patterns had mostly been restricted to the middle of the pitch by the industrious visitors, before Jones's decision to rule out Tiote's strike.

Retreating after his side's corner was cleared, Gouffran dodged his team-mate's shot which continued on past a rooted Joe Hart into the City goal.

Gouffran was certainly offside, but after protests from Manuel Pellegrini's side and discussions with the assistant referee, Jones ruled that he was also interfering with play.

The incident added volume to the atmosphere at St James' Park and venom to Newcastle's tackling.

Cabaye and Moussa Sissoko were both booked for dissent, with Fernandinho and Pablo Zabaleta also having their names taken before the half-time whistle was drowned in jeers.

Pardew and Pellegrini exchanged angry words as they went off at the break, while the Newcastle manager also sought out the referee.

The game swung in the balance after play resumed with Cabaye threatening from distance for the hosts, and Negredo and Nasri almost applying finishing touches to more intricate City attacks.

Loic Remy, who has now scored in just one of his last 10 appearance, wasted the hosts' best chance, firing straight into Hart's legs as the City defence were caught under a long ball.

The five-minute break in play caused by Yanga-Mbiwa's swipe at Nasri's knees came to an end when the France international was carried off close to tears.

Although stretched at times, City finished the stronger and, after Fernandinho had hit the bar with a header and Steven Taylor cleared off the line, Negredo scampered clear to ease their nerves, rolling in after a fortunate ricochet off Tim Krul in the final moments.

England Premier League Manchester United vs Swansea

Manchester United vs Swansea 2-0

Manchester United's poor run of form was brought to a convincing end as Adnan Januzaj inspired them to victory over Swansea.

The 18-year-old missed last weekend's FA Cup third-round defeat by the Welsh side but proved his undoubted value by helping to create second-half goals for Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck.
His contribution returned David Moyes's side to winning ways as they avoided the ignominy of losing four consecutive games for the first time since 1961.
It also ended a wretched run of four defeats in their past six home games as United finished a forgettable week on a positive note.
Following their defeat by Michael Laudrup's side last Sunday, United lost in the Capital One Cup at Sunderland, with Moyes charged by the Football Association for comments about the referee after that loss.

But this was a much improved performance by the Scot's team, who moved back to within four points of fourth-placed Everton.

They are still nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, whom they face a week on Sunday, but with Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa also impressing in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, there was at least a sense that a Champions League spot is well within their grasp.
The hosts were helped by the performance of Nemanja Vidic, who kept Wilfried Bony, scorer of Swansea's winner last week, quiet.
The Swans were far better in possession than United in that game, and the pattern of the first half was similar as the home side created the better chances but were less accomplished on the ball.
Januzaj, rested last weekend, was United's most creative force, playing in the number 10 position behind Welbeck, and delivered several testing set-pieces before cracking a shot against the bar from one.
Vidic, Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra then all went close and Welbeck should have put the hosts ahead when a smart interchange between Valencia and Rafael led to the Brazilian finding the unmarked England striker, who curled a shot wide of the far post from 10 yards.
Although the visitors caused problems, with Jonjo Shelvey dragging a shot wide, they did not - unlike last week - have an early goal to defend.
Januzaj emerged from the break to feature down the left and the Belgium-born forward immediately teased Angel Rangel before whipping another superb cross in, with Valencia firing in from Kagawa's header back across goal.

Twelve minutes later, Januzaj was at it again, this time on the right. His curling centre was cleared as far as Evra, whose shot was flicked in by Welbeck for his ninth goal of the season and sixth in as many league games.

With a two-goal cushion, United's confidence was restored and Chris Smalling missed a golden chance when he somehow volleyed over from five yards following Kagawa's cross.
Kagawa was then wasteful when, after a swift break, he dribbled around goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel but saw his effort cleared off the line by Leon Britton.
The visitors caused a few nervous moments thereafter but United held firm and will approach their next game against Chelsea, in which Rooney could return, with renewed confidence.

England Premier League Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace 2-0

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe began his long goodbye at White Hart Lane with a goal as he helped Spurs to victory over Crystal Palace.

The 31-year-old, who will join MLS side Toronto for £6m in February, produced a typical poacher's finish after replacing the subdued Roberto Soldado.
Christian Eriksen had earlier put Tottenham ahead just after half-time.
Palace had chances to score, and were left to rue Jason Puncheon's shocking first-half penalty miss.
The result continued Tottenham's resurgence under Tim Sherwood since he replaced Andre Villas-Boas as head coach.
Spurs are yet to lose under Sherwood in the Premier League and have now collected 13 points from his five games in charge.

Tottenham carried the momentum into the second half and took the lead when Adebayor flicked on Kyle Naughton's high ball from deep into the path of Eriksen who, with a clear sight of goal, struck a powerful shot past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

It was the Denmark international's fourth goal for Tottenham in all competitions since his £11.5m move from Ajax.
Sherwood introduced Defoe, fifth on the list of Spurs' all-time record goalscorers, for the largely ineffective Soldado with a just over a third of the contest remaining.
And Defoe's poacher's instinct almost helped Tottenham increase their advantage as he angled a shot across goal which went just past the post.
Almost inevitably, he doubled Tottenham's lead when he got on the end of a clever through-ball from Lennon and danced into the box before slipping the ball under Speroni.
Palace attempted to rally and Lloris was relieved when Adlene Guedioura's shot went just wide while ex-Arsenal striker Chamakh went close with a couple of headers late on, but Tottenham's defence stood firm.
Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood:
"We have a group of lads who are very talented but unless you marry that with desire, you won't get the results. If you don't show desire, your ability counts for nothing.
"Second half we picked that up. We were much better, so I have to give them credit for the character they showed. We took it to the opposition after the break.
"I'll be sorry to lose Jermain, and Toronto are getting a fine goalscorer. I don't think there are many better goalscorers than him out there."
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis:
"We played so well in the first half, the game should have been over at half-time. The penalty miss was poor and the breaks aren't going for us at the moment.
"I spoke to Jason Puncheon at half-time about the penalty. It's the reaction afterwards that I looked for and he did well with his performance after that.
"I think the lads have to take credit for the way they kept going. We have to take our opportunities, though. Against the top teams, when you are in front, you have to take those opportunities."

They struggled in the first half, though, as a tight and organised Palace defence, credited to boss Tony Pulis's arrival, kept the hosts at bay and created plenty of chances at the other end.

Palace's positive early endeavour, reflected in Pulis's bold decision to start with two strikers, saw them awarded an early penalty when Marouane Chamakh was bundled over by Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele.
But Pulis had his head in his hands when Puncheon skied the spot-kick high into the crowd.
The miss did not dampen Palace's enthusiasm with Spurs' Hugo Lloris much the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half.
Cameron Jerome, on loan from Pulis's former club Stoke, tested the reflexes of the France international with a powerful strike from distance which Lloris had to gather at the second attempt.
Spurs flickered into life on the half-hour mark when Aaron Lennon sent a teasing cross into the six-yard box but Emmanuel Adebayor was unable to get his head on the end of it.
The chance gave the hosts greater belief and midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, on his full Premier League debut, struck the inside of the post with a fine curling effort from 25 yards which rebounded back across goal.