Tottenham Hotspur moved into the top half of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over local rivals West Ham United at White Hart Lane.

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A second-half strike from substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko was enough to seal the win that sends Spurs up to eighth, just three points behind the Hammers.

The Russian striker replaced Darren Bent 10 minutes after the break, and soon after he received Luka Modric's pass inside the West Ham area with his back to goal and hit a low shot on the turn that beat goalkeeper Robert Green and nestled in the far corner.

The North Londoners had the better of the match against their East End rivals, although until Pavlyuchenko struck it looked as though they were headed for a frustrating draw.

Tottenham captain Robbie Keane twice had appeals for a penalty turned down midway through the first half. First his miscued volley at the far post bounced up and hit the hand of James Tomkins then minutes later the Irishman went to ground inside the West Ham area.

On both occasions referee Martin Atkinson correctly ignored the appeals.

The Irishman also had a snap-shot saved at the near post by Green moments before Bent glanced a header wide of the target.

West Ham were unable to convert the few chances they created, with striker David di Michele having the best of his side's opportunities.

The Italian had to put in extra effort to compensate for the lacklustre performance of strike partner Diego Tristan, who was never fully engaged in the match. Di Michele had one far-post effort saved by Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes, and in the second half he took advantage of Jonathan Woodgate's inability to head a long ball clear, but could only fire his shot at the feet of Gomes.

With a number of injuries to key personnel, West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola was forced to field full-back Lucas Neill in the centre of the pitch. Although the Australian filled the role adequately enough, the home side bossed the midfield for most of the match, even though Jermaine Jenas had to be replaced by Didier Zokora at half-time after picking up a hamstring strain.

Ivory Coast midfielder Zokora had the chance to register his first goal for Tottenham after coming on, but could only send his drilled effort from distance wide of the target.

England winger Aaron Lennon looked lively at times, and he forced a good saved from Green when his curling shot bound for the far top corner was tipped over the bar to prevent Tottenham doubling their lead with 10 minutes remaining.

In the end one goal was enough for Harry Redknapp's Spurs side.