By David Ornstein BBC Sport

Tottenham's 11-match unbeaten league run ended as Matthew Etherington scored twice against his old club to hand Stoke a third straight league win.

One of four former Spurs players to feature for the hosts, Etherington tapped in to open the scoring.

He doubled the lead with a scuffed strike from Ryan Shotton's long throw before Emmanuel Adebayor converted a penalty after a foul on Luka Modric.

Tottenham pushed for an equaliser but faded once Younes Kaboul was sent off.

It was a harsh dismissal for a second yellow card and Spurs were also aggrieved with several other decisions by referee Chris Foy.

Redknapp questions 'farcical' Kaboul dismissal at Stoke

Peter Crouch appeared to handle in the build-up to Etherington's opener, Ryan Shawcross cleared a Kaboul shot off the line at 2-1 and, in the scramble that followed, Adebayor saw a strike incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Jermain Defoe also felt one of his shots was blocked by a hand.

The defeat stops Tottenham's winning streak in the league at six games and leaves them five points behind second-placed Manchester United with a game in hand.

Stoke have been in impressive form in recent weeks and are now up to eighth in the table.

Their previous two league meetings with Spurs at the Britannia ended in defeat but they made the more purposeful start on this occasion - with Crouch, Etherington, Jonathan Woodgate and eventual substitute Wilson Palacios up against their old team.

There was no place in the side for Rory Delap but long-throw duties fell to Shotton and he proved a highly capable replacement.

Only 37 seconds were on the clock when his looping delivery was cleared to Etherington and the 30-year-old's volley drew a diving save from Brad Friedel.

Clearly aware of their opponents' strength in central midfield - where Scott Parker, Modric and Rafael van der Vaart have formed one of the division's more fearsome trios - Stoke looked to attack from wide areas at every opportunity.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Stoke have lost only one of the 22 Premier League matches in which they have led by two goals - against Wolves in October 2009

The tactic paid off when Shotton's cross was flicked by Jon Walters to Crouch and he held off William Gallas before turning the ball through Friedel's legs from a tight angle for Etherington to slam into an empty net.

Crouch seemingly used his arm to control Walters's header, but Stoke deserved their reward for a high-tempo approach that caught Tottenham off guard.

Tony Pulis's men worked tirelessly to maintain their advantage before going in search of a second - and it arrived when the latest Shotton throw was worked on by Walters and Etherington arrived at the back post to volley past Friedel.

They began the second half as they started and finished the first, harrying all over the pitch, and Spurs were pushed firmly on to the back foot.

But Harry Redknapp replaced Assou-Ekotto and Lennon with Sebastien Bassong and Defoe, switching his formation from 4-4-1-1 to 3-4-1-2, and the move paid off.

Stoke work rate key to Tottenham win - Tony Pulis

An unmarked Bassong headed over from Modric's corner, Defoe fired over, Ryan Shawcross cleared Bale's cross with a last-ditch header and Parker narrowly failed to connect with Kyle Walker's pinpoint centre.

Their superiority finally told when Glenn Whelan tripped Modric in the box and Adebayor wrong-footed Sorensen from the spot.

Spurs were now encamped in Stoke territory and Parker drew a stunning save from Sorensen, Adebayor curled inches wide and Modric again went close.

A Kaboul shot was cleared off the line by the arm of Shawcross and Adebayor was wrongly flagged offside as he rolled in what should have been the leveller.

Foy gave Kaboul his marching orders for a challenge on Walters and, from that moment, the game was up for Spurs, Shawcross heading against the bar as Stoke pressed for a late third.

Lineup, Bookings (5) & Substitutions (5)

Stoke City

  • 29 Sorensen
  • 04 Huth
  • 17 Shawcross
  • 30 Shotton
  • 39 Woodgate Booked (Delap - 84' )
  • 06 Whelan
  • 12 Wilson Booked
  • 18 Whitehead
  • 26 Etherington (Palacios - 88' )
  • 19 Walters
  • 25 Crouch

Substitutes

  • 01 Begovic
  • 20 Upson
  • 24 Delap
  • 40 Palacios
  • 09 Jones
  • 10 Fuller
  • 33 Jerome

Tottenham Hotspur

  • 24 Friedel
  • 03 Bale
  • 04 Kaboul Dismissed after an earlier booking
  • 13 Gallas
  • 28 Walker
  • 32 Assou-Ekotto (Bassong - 46' )
  • 07 Lennon (Defoe - 46' )
  • 08 Parker Booked
  • 11 Van der Vaart (Giovani - 88' )
  • 14 Modric
  • 10 Adebayor

Substitutes

  • 01 Gomes
  • 19 Bassong
  • 22 Corluka
  • 30 Sandro
  • 40 Pienaar
  • 17 Giovani
  • 18 Defoe
Ref: Foy
Att: 27,529

Match Stats

Shots

10 15

On target

7 12

Corners

7 12

Fouls

8 7

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:03 Full time

Full Time The referee blows for the end of the match.

90:00 +2:53

The ball is sent over by Gareth Bale, clearance made by Ryan Shawcross.

90:00 +2:10

Foul by Glenn Whelan on Luka Modric, free kick awarded. Kyle Walker takes the direct free kick.

90:00 +1:21

Marc Wilson takes the direct free kick.

90:00 +1:21 Booking

Booking The referee shows Scott Parker a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

90:00 +1:15

Peter Crouch fouled by Scott Parker, the ref awards a free kick.

89:32

The ball is crossed by Dean Whitehead, clearance made by William Gallas.

87:46 Substitution

Substitution Matthew Etherington leaves the field to be replaced by Wilson Palacios.

87:27 Substitution

Substitution Rafael Van der Vaart leaves the field to be replaced by Dos Santos Giovani.

85:09

Foul by Emmanuel Adebayor on Ryan Shawcross, free kick awarded. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.

84:22

Matthew Etherington takes the inswinging corner, Ryan Shawcross takes a shot.

84:22

Matthew Etherington takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, Ryan Shawcross produces a header from close range which bounces off the post.

83:52

Corner taken by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line to the near post, Ryan Shawcross takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.

83:22 Substitution

Substitution Rory Delap joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jonathan Woodgate.

82:59

Effort on goal by Ryan Shotton from 25 yards. Blocked by Sebastien Bassong.

81:57

The free kick is delivered left-footed by Matthew Etherington from left wing, clearance by Emmanuel Adebayor.

81:20 Dismissal

Dismissal Younes Kaboul is shown a red card.

81:05

Unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by Younes Kaboul results in a free kick.

80:27 Booking

Booking Marc Wilson is cautioned by the ref for time wasting.

79:54

The ball is delivered by Gareth Bale.

79:41

The ball is sent over by Ryan Shotton, clearance by Sebastien Bassong.

79:00

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Woodgate by Emmanuel Adebayor. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.

78:34

The ball is swung over by Ryan Shotton, Younes Kaboul manages to make a clearance.

78:03

Emmanuel Adebayor produces a curled right-footed shot from 18 yards. Thomas Sorensen makes a save.

77:36

Short corner taken by Luka Modric.

77:20

Jermain Defoe has an effort at goal. Blocked by Robert Huth.

76:55

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Luka Modric, clearance made by Robert Huth.

76:49

The ball is delivered by Kyle Walker, Jonathan Woodgate gets a block in.

76:10

The ball is crossed by Matthew Etherington.

75:42

Kyle Walker sends in a cross, comfortable save by Thomas Sorensen.

74:36

Emmanuel Adebayor is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Thomas Sorensen restarts play with the free kick.

73:56

Younes Kaboul takes a shot. Robert Huth makes a clearance.

73:39

Short corner taken by Gareth Bale from the left by-line.

73:27

Shot from 20 yards by Luka Modric. Brilliant save by Thomas Sorensen.

73:17

The ball is sent over by Scott Parker.

72:39

A cross is delivered by Gareth Bale.

68:42

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line.

67:23

Foul by Rafael Van der Vaart on Dean Whitehead, free kick awarded. Marc Wilson shoots direct from the free kick.

66:15 Booking

Booking Younes Kaboul booked.

65:32

Effort from the edge of the box by Emmanuel Adebayor goes wide of the right-hand upright.

65:17

Shot by Rafael Van der Vaart. Thomas Sorensen makes a comfortable save.

64:58

Corner from the right by-line taken by Luka Modric, Robert Huth makes a clearance.

64:44

Scott Parker produces a drilled right-footed shot from 20 yards. Thomas Sorensen makes a brilliant save.

61:53

Assist by Luka Modric.

61:53 Goal scored

Goal - Emmanuel Adebayor - Stoke 2 - 1 Tottenham Placed penalty scored by Emmanuel Adebayor. Stoke 2-1 Tottenham.

61:01

Luka Modric fouled by Glenn Whelan, the ref awards a Penalty.

60:45

Gareth Bale decides to take the corner short.

60:40

Kyle Walker sends in a cross, Jonathan Woodgate makes a clearance.

59:51

Younes Kaboul delivers the ball, clearance made by Robert Huth.

59:23

Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Rafael Van der Vaart, clearance made by Ryan Shotton.

59:14

The ball is swung over by Gareth Bale, clearance by Ryan Shawcross.

58:08

Shot by Jermain Defoe from outside the box goes high over the target.

55:14

Kyle Walker delivers the ball.

53:12

A cross is delivered by Gareth Bale, comfortable save by Thomas Sorensen.

52:52

Gareth Bale produces a cross, Ryan Shawcross makes a clearance.

52:18

Matthew Etherington concedes a free kick for a foul on Rafael Van der Vaart. Direct free kick taken by Kyle Walker.

51:07

Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Luka Modric, Header from deep inside the penalty area by Sebastien Bassong goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

49:13

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line, Emmanuel Adebayor manages to make a clearance.

49:01

Jonathan Walters produces a cross, Younes Kaboul makes a clearance.

47:36

Corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Gareth Bale.

47:26

The ball is crossed by Ryan Shotton, clearance made by Sebastien Bassong.

46:04

Foul by Dean Whitehead on Rafael Van der Vaart, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by William Gallas.

45:01

The second half has started.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Jermain Defoe comes on in place of Aaron Lennon.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Sebastien Bassong comes on in place of Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

45:00 +2:04 Half time

Half Time It is the end of the first-half.

45:00 +1:25

The ball is crossed by Aaron Lennon, Marc Wilson makes a clearance.

42:43

Jonathan Walters provided the assist for the goal.

42:43 Goal scored

Goal - Matthew Etherington - Stoke 2 - 0 Tottenham Matthew Etherington grabs a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Stoke 2-0 Tottenham.

40:10

Emmanuel Adebayor takes a shot. Thomas Sorensen makes a save.

38:38

Inswinging corner taken by Luka Modric from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Glenn Whelan.

37:31

The ball is crossed by Ryan Shotton, Younes Kaboul manages to make a clearance.

36:16

Aaron Lennon takes a shot. Save by Thomas Sorensen.

35:00

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonathan Walters on Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Benoit Assou-Ekotto takes the direct free kick.

33:49

Peter Crouch challenges Scott Parker unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.

33:12

The assistant referee signals for offside against Emmanuel Adebayor. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.

30:58

Luka Modric has a drilled shot. Save by Thomas Sorensen. Corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart.

29:46

Aaron Lennon takes a shot. Glenn Whelan gets a block in. Rafael Van der Vaart takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Glenn Whelan.

29:15

Free kick taken by Rafael Van der Vaart.

29:15 Booking

Booking The referee shows Jonathan Woodgate a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

28:59

Foul by Jonathan Woodgate on Aaron Lennon, free kick awarded.

28:46

Aaron Lennon takes a shot. Glenn Whelan gets a block in.

28:33

Scott Parker produces a cross.

24:49

Glenn Whelan takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, Header from deep inside the area by Robert Huth goes over the bar.

24:12

Gareth Bale gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Dean Whitehead. Glenn Whelan takes the direct free kick.

23:48

Rafael Van der Vaart takes a shot. Thomas Sorensen makes a save.

23:23

Rafael Van der Vaart is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Glenn Whelan takes the direct free kick.

21:42

The ball is delivered by Ryan Shotton.

19:58

Corner taken left-footed by Rafael Van der Vaart to the near post, clearance by Ryan Shotton.

17:00

The ball is crossed by Ryan Shotton.

15:41

Free kick awarded for a foul by William Gallas on Peter Crouch. Free kick taken by Jonathan Woodgate.

15:32

A cross is delivered by Gareth Bale, clearance made by Ryan Shawcross.

14:44

Ryan Shotton sends in a cross.

12:45

Assist on the goal came from Peter Crouch.

12:45 Goal scored

Goal - Matthew Etherington - Stoke 1 - 0 Tottenham A goal is scored by Matthew Etherington from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Stoke 1-0 Tottenham.

10:27

The ball is swung over by Gareth Bale, clearance by Robert Huth. Corner from left by-line taken by Rafael Van der Vaart.

9:36

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jonathan Walters on Kyle Walker. Free kick taken by Kyle Walker.

8:39

Ryan Shawcross takes a shot. Blocked by Kyle Walker. Matthew Etherington takes the inswinging corner, clearance by William Gallas.

7:01

Matthew Etherington takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.

6:33

The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Dean Whitehead.

4:40

Ryan Shotton has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.

1:24

Centre by Jonathan Walters, Younes Kaboul makes a clearance.

0:42

Peter Crouch is ruled offside. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.

0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

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