LONDON (AP):

Tottenham moved within three points of Premier League leader Manchester City yesterday after Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto clinched a 2-0 victory over injury-hit Everton.

The north London club now only trail second-place Manchester United on goal difference after playing a match originally scheduled for the season opener but postponed due to rioting near White Hart Lane earlier that week.

That postponement may have worked in Spurs' favour, as they went on to lose their opening two matches in August before finding the form that has turned them into a credible title contender.

Lennon put Spurs in front in the 35th minute with a scuffed shot after cutting through the Everton defence, and Assou-Ekotto netted in the 63rd with a fierce long-range strike.

While United States goalkeeper Tim Howard conceded twice, compatriot Brad Friedel was never troubled in the Tottenham net.

Entering the second half of the season, Tottenham have a realistic chance of winning the league for the first time since 1961 as they sit third as the top team in London, eight points above Chelsea and a further point ahead of Arsenal.

"It's not impossible to win the title, it's difficult," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. "It's very hard, but we've got a chance. ... At the moment we can enjoy it because we are playing so well and winning.

"The pressure is on Man City because if you look at their squad and the type of money they have ... they are expected to be there and win," Redknapp said. "We are just hanging in there at the moment and playing well. We don't put the pressure on the players."