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Robbie Keane’s 20th goal of the season kick-started a hard-fought Tottenham win at Pride Park to continue Derby’s woeful form in the Premier League.

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It was hardly one-way traffic against a battling Derby, who should have taken the lead when Giles Barnes fired wide.

But Keane, who had earlier hit a post, settled Spurs’ nerves after Roy Carroll had spilled Steed Malbranque’s shot.

Younes Kaboul made it two with a drive and Dimitar Berbatov wrapped it up from the spot after Alan Stubbs’s handball.

The result means the Rams need nothing short of a miracle to maintain their Premier League status next season, though manager Paul Jewell will have been encouraged by an improved display.

The two teams could hardly have come into the match in more different form, with Derby yet to win under Jewell in 14 league and cup games and Spurs rejuvenated under Juande Ramos.

But there was little to choose between the sides in a close first half, with Derby’s hassle and harry ensuring they more than held their own against the Londoners.

In fact, had Barnes managed to find the target from Stephen Pearson’s through-ball with just the keeper to beat on 25 minutes, it could have been even better for the Rams.

Emmanuel Villa was also lively, forcing Spurs keeper Radek Cerny into a smart stop at his near post, but most of Derby’s best work came through the tireless Kenny Miller.

Spurs were not helped by an early injury to Michael Dawson, but they still showed enough glimpses of their attacking guile to keep Carroll on his toes on the keeper’s home debut.