Published: 9 February, 2013
By DAN CARRIER at White Hart Lane

Premier League
SPURS 2, NEWCASTLE 1

MATCH-WINNER Gareth Bale fired Spurs into third place this lunchtime – but the man coveted by the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona said as he headed into the dressing room he had to get back to the training ground as quickly as possible to work on his game.

The Welsh winger hit two goals and could have scored four in the 2-1 home win, and after missing a close-range effort at the end, he said he had areas to improve.

“I was disappointed not to get three,” he said. “Particularly because of one I missed with my right. I'll have to work on that.”

He added that the result, which moved Spurs above Chelsea for a couple of hours, was “hugely satisfying”.

“This was a massive game today,” he said. “We know how well Newcastle have been playing. We worked really hard and we are finding consistency. We feel we can continue to improve and keep going.”

Bale made his mark almost instantly. After a bright opening, Spurs won a free-kick 25 yards out and Bale spun a sublime direct shot curling lazily into the bottom corner.

It threatened to be a rout in the manner of last season's 5-0 thrashing, but on 23, Newcastle forward Yoan Gouffran hit an effort goalwards and a huge deflection off Michael Dawson sent it past Hugo Lloris.

The equaliser knocked the wind out of Tottenham's sails, and for long periods they couldn't find the final touch, despite industrious displays by Aaron Lennon and home debutante Lewis Holtby.

Then came Bale's brilliance: on 78. He capitalised on some defensive dithering and racing through no one could stop him. The flying Welshman could have made it three as the clock ticked down, missing a tight angled volley from close range and then forcing Tim Krul into a sprawling save – but by the time the full-time whistle went, he'd done enough.

Manager Andre Villas Boas said afterwards Bale's performance was the product of the player simply enjoying his football and his players becoming ever more comfortable with his tactics.

“He likes playing through the middle,” said AVB.

“We started him on the left but gave him freedom. He is feeling good about this position and he is enjoying it. He has that individual brilliance and we are fortunate to have a player whose talent can decide games.”

Spurs: Lloris, Dempsey, Lennon, Bale, Holtby, Parker, Dembele, Caulker, Dawson, Naughton, Walker.

Attendance: 36,244

SPURS COMMENT by Dan Carrier

WHILE two goals for Bale has rightly made the headlines, the debut of Lewis Holtby has given Tottenham a certain something fans feel they've lacked since we waved goodbye to VDV and Luka.

He drifted easily into space, laid it about well, and got shots off. But what was really lovely was his absolute glee at playing. He didn't stop scampering, and his enthusiasm rubbed off on those around him. While we may not have signed the January goal machine fans wished for, Hotlby's early signing for £1.25m feels like the deal could seal a Champions League appearance next term.

Man of the Match: While Lennon ran his socks off – the cheers that greeted his dash and tackle on 90 minutes was truly heartfelt – it can be nobody but Bale. The Welshman showed why he is something extra special, and when he gets going, is perhaps the finest in the Premier League in his position.