Tom Huddlestone forced a decent save from Lonergan with a controlled low strike across goal and the Preston keeper also parried a well-struck shot from substitute Aaron Lennon, who came on as a first-half replacement for the injured Santos.
Moments later, Aaron Lennon, on at half-time in place of Pavlyuchenko, forced a fine save from Friedel with a low shot before the winger was involved in spurs' winner when his cross was knocked down by Crouch and Van der Vaart took one deft touch before cracking home.