Modric strikes as Tottenham go fourth

London: Luka Modric marked his first start since August by scoring the opener as Tottenham Hotspur beat West Ham 2-0 at White Hart Lane to go fourth in the English Premier League table.

Croatia midfielder Modric, out for several months with a broken leg, started and finished a length of the field move in the 11th minute to put Spurs ahead. England striker Jermain Defoe sealed victory against his old club with a fierce shot nine minutes from time. But Spurs will drop back down to fifth place if Aston Villa win at home to Liverpool on Tuesday. Defeat in this London derby left West Ham hovering above the relegation zone and the loss was made worse for the Hammers by the early exit of key midfielder Scott Parker with what appeared to be a recurrence of a hamstring injury.Monday`s other matches see leaders Chelsea look to extend their two-point lead when they face west London rivals Fulham while Manchester City, in manager Roberto Mancini`s first away game in charge, play Wolves. Blackburn are at home to Sunderland, Everton take on Burnley and Stoke welcome Birmingham to the Britannia Stadium.Bureau Report