Hiddink's honeymoon over

Chelsea missed a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Barclays Premier League as Luka Modric earned Tottenham a 1-0 win and inflicted Guus Hiddink's first defeat since arriving in England.

A suspect vehicle delayed kick-off at White Hart Lane, meaning the visitors kicked off knowing leaders Manchester United were struggling at Fulham, but they failed to take advantage.

Victory would have taken them within a point of United but Hiddink's men were frustrated by a Tottenham side who have been transformed since Harry Redknapp's arrival five months ago, with Modric striking the winner just after the interval.

Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes played a huge part, saving from John Terry late on when the away fans thought they were on level terms. Alex also hit the crossbar in stoppage time.

Hiddink's men were limited to long shots in the early stages and Michael Essien, back from a serious injury, forced Gomes into a save which he gathered at the second attempt.

At the other end, Jermaine Jenas just cleared the angle of crossbar and near post with a fizzing drive before Petr Cech was required to beat away Robbie Keane's powerful volley.

Ledley King clattered Didier Drogba with his thigh while winning a header and the Chelsea striker looked dazed while receiving treatment and heading down the tunnel, the visitors seeing out the first half with 10 men.

Drogba was fit to start the second half but Chelsea were behind within five minutes of the restart.

Aaron Lennon received the ball on the right, feigned to go down the flank but instead he crossed early, between Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard and Modric produced a crisp finish from the edge of the area for his fourth goal of the season.

Gomes saved from Drogba and Ricardo Quaresma's long-range effort as Chelsea searched for the equaliser. Drogba sliced another shot wide and Terry forced Gomes into a stunning full-stretch save but Spurs held on.