Tottenham paid the penalty for more defensive frailty as Paulo Wanchope struck
a late winner to plunge Christian Gross' side deeper into relegation trouble.
The Costa Rican star has had a lean time in front of goal in recent months
after bursting explosively into the Premiership.
But he was able to capitalise on hesitancy by England striker Les Ferdinand in
his own penalty area to grab his 12th goal of the campaign 13 minutes from
time.
The visitors had also gifted Dean Sturridge their opening goal via a mis-timed
back pass from Clive Wilson and they cannot afford to be so lax at the back if
they are to remain in the top flight.
There was little wrong with the rest of their performance as they dominated
territorially and were inspired by another sparkling performance from David
Ginola.
But the Frenchman must be full of frustration as time and again his defenders
have undone his good work in recent weeks, and left Spurs with a mountain to
climb to stay up.
For Derby, the dream of attaining a place in Europe via the UEFA Cup goes on.
They may have ridden their luck in their last two League matches with Blackburn
and Spurs but are sitting proudly in the top six.
Jim Smith's side defended doggedly, with Dean Yates outstanding, and always
looked menacing on the break.
Straight from the kick-off, Ginola and Ruel Fox worked the ball out to Les
Ferdinand and his shot from the right hand side of the penalty area thudded
against the crossbar with Derby keeper Mart Poom stranded.
Tottenham were playing with great confidence for a side battling against the
drop and Poom blocked a shot from Fox after another decisive run from Ginola had
created the opening.
But Spurs looked shaky at the back on the few occasions that Derby ventured
forward - and they paid the penalty for a dreadful mix-up in the 25th minute.
Poom's long clearance was turned back towards his own goal by Steve Carr and
there appeared little danger as Clive Wilson tried to shepherd the ball back
towards Espen Baardsen.
But his headed pass fell woefully short and Sturridge needed no second
invitation as he volleyed a left footed shot past the Spurs keeper from 10 yards
out.
Tottenham continued to dominate but they looked to have a massive let-off in
the 36th minute when Wilson chopped down Sturridge for a blatant looking
penalty.
However, to Sturridge's and most other people's amazement referee Gary Willard
indicated that the Derby player had taken a dive.
The statistics for the opening 45 minutes revealed that Sturridge's
gift-wrapped goal was the only effort on target for The Rams.
Tottenham needed only 18 seconds of the second half to get back on level terms
- with just about the first worthwhile contribution from Jurgen Klinsmann.
The German star picked the ball up on the left flank, cut into the area and
past the challenge of Jacob Laursen before squaring the ball across goal to
Fox.
The former Newcastle player made no mistake in planting a low drive past Poom
from 12 yards out.
Tottenham continued to look the more menacing but they had Wilson to thank for
remaining on level terms as he partially atoned for his first half blunder.
Baiano's centre picked out Sturridge and his powerful header beat Baardsen all
ends up but was headed off the line by Wilson.
Ginola was still dictating matters for Tottenham and one move involving the
Frenchman, Wilson and Andy Sinton ended with Poom beating out Fox's half volley
at the far post.
But 13 minutes from time Ferdinand hesitated fatally when attempting to clear
a ball bouncing around in the area and Wanchope nipped in to plant a cross-shot
past Baarsden.
Teams:
Derby: Poom, C. Powell, D. Powell (Rowett 74), Yates, Stimac,
Sturridge, Wanchope, Laursen, Carsley, Eranio,
Baiano (Willems 86).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Dailly, Burton.
Booked: C. Powell, Carsley, Eranio.
Goals: Sturridge 25, Wanchope 77.
Tottenham: Baardsen, Fox, Ferdinand, Carr, Ginola, Vega,
Wilson (Domingues 82), Sinton (Howells 74), Campbell, Klinsmann,
Berti.
Subs Not Used: Grodas, Calderwood, Clemence.
Booked: Ginola, Sinton.
Goals: Fox 46.
Att: 30,187
Ref: G S Willard (Worthing).
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