Harry Kane scored his eighth goal of the season as Tottenham won at Brighton to strengthen their place in the top three of the Premier League.
The England striker’s stooping first-half header was enough to secure a victory that keeps Spurs third and three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Brighton, who could have moved level on points with the visitors with a win, started slowly but grew into the game and had chances to equalise before the break.
Lewis Dunk sent a header just over the bar before Solly March hit a low effort just wide of goal as half-time approached.
But in the second half both sides struggled to break each other down, although Kane should have put the game out of sight when he turned his marker but dragged his shot wide, while Danny Welbeck swept a good chance off target for the hosts.
A late injury to Kane took some of the shine off the win as the England striker went off after getting caught on the back of his foot, but he was able to walk off the pitch and confirmed after the game that it was “just a knock”.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte later said: “It was a good performance especially in a difficult game because Brighton is a really good team. The position in the table shows that they are a really good team with good players. We tried to play with intensity and I think the victory and the win is deserved. A great compliment to Brighton because they are a really good team.
“We wanted to play with one more midfielder because usually we play with two strikers but right now we have Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura injured. When you have to play every three days, you need to give players some rest.
“Richarlison needed some rest, it is a different intensity to Everton so that is why he was on the bench.
“I’m happy that Oliver Skipp came back with us and I’m happy for Matt Doherty to come back after a long injury. There was a lot of positive things and we go away from here with a lot of confidence. We know we have an important game at home on Wednesday and I would like to invite our fans to make a good atmosphere in our stadium for that match.
“When the results are good for our players, I am the first person to be happy. We need to create a unity in the team and every player needs to know that they can play. In my opinion, there is room for every player in my squad.”
