London: Tottenham's push for Champions League qualification was set back on Monday by Norwich's 2-1 win in the Premier League.
Elliott Bennett powered the ball into the far corner of Brad Friedel's net in the 66th minute from outside the penalty area for the winning goal. The strike calmed Norwich manager Paul Lambert, who had been furious that two potential penalties were not awarded. The first spot kick appeal was waved away just before Jermain Defoe completed a blistering counterattack to equalize in the 33rd.
Anthony Pilkington had put Norwich in front in the 13th after seizing on a mix-up in Tottenham's disorganized defence. While Spurs remained in the fourth Champions League spot, they can be dislodged on Monday night if Chelsea win at Fulham.
In another match, Everton extended their recent domination over Sunderland with a dominant 4-0 victory at Goodison Park on Monday. Sunderland have not beaten Everton in a league fixture since 2001, and the barren run looked to carry on when winger Magaye Gueye opened the scoring in the 52nd minute.
Steven Pienaar doubled the hosts' advantage in the 75th before Leon Osman added the third a minute later. Forward Victor Anichebe rounded out the scoring for a rampant Everton side that remains seventh in the league and will now go into the weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool on a high.
Newcastle United are also a growing threat to Tottenham's hopes of returning to Europe's lucrative competition after their debut in the 2009-10 season. The northeast club beat Bolton 2-0 to join Tottenham on 59 points but in fifth place due to an inferior goal difference.
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