Pavlyuchenko's goal, a firmly-struck shot from close in, came in the ninth minute.
Following an unsuccessful start to his English soccer career after moving to London from Spartak Moscow in late August, Pavlyuchenko, like Tottenham, has been in fine form of late, scoring five goals in his last six games as new manager Harry Rednapp has revitalized the club.
"The match was a tense one because we were playing a side close to us in the table. The game was even harder after our opponents had a man sent off," Pavlyuchenko told the Sport Express daily. "Possibly, we relaxed a bit after scoring."
"Nevertheless we held on to earn three important points," he said, adding that the goal reminded him of his strike against Sweden at this summer's Euro 2008.
Speaking to the English media after the match, Rednapp said Pavlyuchenko was "a great finisher."
Tottenham are now 15th in the table.
