Modric strike sees off Chelsea's title challenge.

Tottenham's Luka Modric struck a 50th minute winner at White Hart Lane on Saturday to inflict Chelsea's first defeat under Guus Hiddink.

The 1-0 defeat leaves Chelsea's title aspirations in disarray despite Manchester United's slip-up at Craven Cottage. Having played a game more than the Champions, Hiddink's side find themselves four points behind them and three behind Liverpool.

For Spurs, the result elevated them to ninth place, the highest the club has been since the departure of Martin Jol, although Manchester City and Wigan both overtook them with wins on Sunday.

The match kicked-off half an hour later than scheduled due to a suspect vehicle in the vicinity of the ground, but the problem was dealt with without any trouble.

The delay only appeared to add to the tremendous atmosphere at the Lane as the action got underway.

All statistics pointed to a Chelsea victory, given their 100 percent record under Hiddink and the fact that they have only been beaten by their London rivals once in 37 league games.

Tottenham though, themselves unbeaten in five games, have looked rejuvenated under Harry Redknapp in recent weeks and had the better of the opening 45 minutes.

Robbie Keane was denied twice by Petr Cech while Michael Essien saw his shot saved by Heurelho Gomes. The disappointing Nicolas Anelka saw a clipped effort saved by the Brazilian whilst Jermaine Jenas hit a decent effort narrowly over from 20 yards.

But the match came alive after the break and it was Spurs who were impressing. With Aaron Lennon becoming increasingly influential, the home side took full advantage of some sloppy defensive play and took the lead.

Jose Bosingwa dwelt on the ball for too long and played his teammates into trouble. The ball found its way to Lennon on the right, who took on Ashley Cole and played a low cross into the path of Modric who duly applied the finish, brilliantly directing the ball into the back of the net giving Cech no chance.

The Croatian, who moved to Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, has steadily adjusted to life in the Premier League and his displays of late have brought rave reviews from his manager Harry Redknapp, who has now steered the North London club away from relegation and into the hunt for a Europa League spot next season.

With the home side ahead Hiddink threw on Ricardo Queresma in a bid to salvage something. It almost worked as Queresma found space on the right soon after his arrival and crossed for Frank Lampard who couldn’t convert at the far post.

Chelsea began to seize control of the game and pushed John Terry further and further forward as the match went on. And it was the Chelsea and England captain who came closest to getting an equaliser for the Blues as he forced Gomes into a brilliant save down to his right with a firm header.

There was still time for Alex to rattle the hosts’ crossbar after heading into the ground, but Tottenham were not to be denied and deservedly took all three points.