Roman Pavlyuchenko's goal spree continued as Tottenham Hotspur maintained their pursuit of Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Reuters reported.
The Russian, largely ignored by manager Harry Redknapp until last month, struck twice after the break to take his tally to eight goals in his last six appearances.
Victory kept Tottenham in pole position for fourth spot in the Premier League, three points above Manchester City who have two games in hand including their visit to Sunderland on Sunday.
Pavlyuchenko was never far from the action at White Hart Lane, squandering two good chances before Jermain Defoe nudged Tottenham ahead in first-half stoppage time with his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions.
Blackburn had to change goalkeepers midway through the first half when former Spurs stopper Paul Robinson limped off to be replaced by Jason Brown.
Brown was at fault for Tottenahm's second goal in the 55th minute when Pavlyuchenko's well-struck shot went under his body.
Tottenham had a strong penalty claim turned down when Gareth Bale was tripped by Michel Salgado and that decision looked as though it could prove costly when Chris Samba headed Rovers back into the game.
Pavlyuchenko wrapped up the points late on, however, when he turned in a pinpoint low cross from the impressive Bale.
Later on Saturday Chelsea can return to the top of the table with a victory at home to West Ham United and title rivals Arsenal are at Hull City.