Tottenham Hotspur moved out of the relegation zone with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City in a game that saw both the teams receive at least one red card.

Manchester City looked on course for a comfortable victory when Robinho put them in an early lead in the 16th minute but the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Fernandes Gelson was sent off in the 26th minute.

Spurs made full use of their numerical superiority to first equalize through Darren Bent two minutes later before the English striker put them in front in the 64th minute. City's hopes of a late come back received a blow when Richard Dunne was sent off in the 83rd minute before Spurs were reduced to 10 men when Benoit Assou-Ekotto was shown a red card in the 89th minute.

City took the lead with their first real chance in the 16th minute when Heurelho Gomes parried Darius Vassell's shot straight to Robinho who was left with a simple finish from close range. Just when it looked like City were slowly taking control of the game, the hosts received a big blow in the 26th minute when Fernandes was shown a red card for a challenge on David Bentley.

The sending off changed the course of the match as Spurs equalized three minutes later when Dunne failed to clear a long ball, allowing Bent to slot home past Joe Hart. The visitors stepped up the pressure in the second half and were rewarded in the 63rd minute with Bent once again on target, this time Jermaine Jenas creating the chance.

With time running out for City, the game was all but over in the 83rd minute when the hosts were reduced to 9 men with Dunne being shown a straight red for a foul on Bent with the striker clear through on goal.

There was some late drama as Spurs were reduced to 10 men with Assou-Ekotto being shown a second yellow card for a foul on Pablo Zabaleta.