London - Blackburn Rovers gave themselves a major boost in their bid for survival in the English Premier League after they came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Saturday.

Goals from Benni McCarthy and Andre Ooijer gave Blackburn a precious three points that had looked unlikely when Robbie Keane put Spurs ahead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.

The match turned when Wilson Palacios was sent off 12 minutes from time for a second yellow card, and after McCarthy equalised (82), Ooijer took advantage of a Spurs defence all at sea to score a crucial winner in the 89th minute.

The win moved Blackburn up to 13th place, five points above the relegation zone.

Later on Saturday, Liverpool can go above Manchester United at the top if they win at Fulham, while Alan Shearer takes charge of relegation-threatened Newcastle for the first time in their match with Chelsea. (dpa)