In a match dominated by Tottenham for long periods, Stoke took the lead with just 15 minutes to play when Cameron Jerome prodded home from close range at White Hart Lane.

But the Dutch midfielder ensured Spurs would sneak a draw as he headed home Gareth Bale's cross in the dying stages.

Jerome had a pair of early chances, flashing a volley wide before he skied over the bar.

Van der Vaart fired a drive from the edge of the box at Asmir Begovic, but the Stoke goalkeeper was equal to the task, while Modric shot wide on two occasions.

Stoke midfielder Salif Diao limped off with a muscle strain to be replaced by Glenn Whelan on the half-hour mark and while Begovic needed to make two saves before the break, they never troubled the Bosnian.

Harry Redknapp shuffled his pack at half time, introducing Jermain Defoe in place of Niko Krancjar, but it made no difference in the early stages as Spurs were again reduced to long-range efforts.

It was one of those that nearly gave Tottenham the lead though.

Bale was given time on the ball, which saw him loop an effort over Begovic.

Fortunately for the visitors, the ball hit the woodwork and was cleared, and Stoke delivered the ultimate sucker-punch when they went up the other end and scored.

Jermaine Pennant's cross was headed by Robert Huth, and the ball fell nicely into the path of Jerome who poked home from a couple of yards out.

Van der Vaart fluffed a chance to equalise while Bale again came close from long range as he stung the palms of Begovic with an effort from distance.

But just when it looked like it would be Stoke's night, Spurs bagged an equaliser as van der Vaart's header gave Harry Redknapp's side a much-needed point.