Published: 28 November, 2012

by PAUL COWLING at White Hart Lane

Premier League: Spurs 2 Liverpool 1

A HARD fought 2-1 win was enough for Spurs to jump above rivals Arsenal into fifth place in the table, as the chase for Champions League places heated up on a cold evening across the country.

It was certainly chilly at the Lane, but Spurs fans were soon warmed by an on-fire Gareth Bale who, on this showing, looks to be back to the form that had N17 taxi firms clammering for Maicon's fare to the airport.

The Welsh wing wizard made one and scored one as the home side swept into an early two goal lead, as sluggish Liverpool looked like they were still at home warming themselves by a Scouse log fire.

In the seventh minute, Bale went on one of his trademark runs and crossed for the impressive Aaron Lennon to tap in to make it 1-0 Spurs.

He then scored from a direct free kick to make it 2-0 after only 16 minutes.

Bale also got booked (for diving), and scored an own goal too, as Liverpool stepped up the tempo late in the game, but the winger's early blitz was enough in the end for Spurs to hold on.

After the match, coach Andre Villas-Boas hailed Bale for his 'never ending energy.'

"It is amazing what he can do for us, defensively and in attack.

"He also practices a lot. With his free kick technique, he can be like Cristiano Ronaldo, as he has the power to hit the ball at pace."

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saw that for himself when Bale's free kick flew past him for Spurs' second.

The early lead was a handy one for Spurs, as they continued to dominate in the first half.

But, Liverpool – turgid in the first period – were more sprightly in the second half.

At the back for Spurs, Michael Dawson was solid, but William Gallas had a 'Maicon' for almost all the match, and was lucky not to give away a penalty when he tangled with Luis Suarez.

Fit again Mousa Dembele drifted in and out of the game for the home side, before being subbed for Gylfi Sigurdsson, while Jermain Defoe and Clint Dempsey had quiet matches.

Such low-key showings from some players, was  in complete contrast to Bale, and the busy Lennon, though the pair combined unwittingly to give the visitors a foothold back into the game.

On 73 minutes, a goalbound Steven Gerrard header was cleared off the line by Lennon, but the winger's clearance hit Bale smack in the face, and the ball rebounded back into the net for 2-1. 

The goal is sure to feature on any compilation DVD of own goal bloopers, but it left Tottenham fans chewing the ends off their woollen gloves by the thousands.

But, despite the ever present threat of Suarez, and Gallas's uncertainty at the back, Spurs held on for the win.

Villas-Boas admitted his side were a little fortunate to get all three points.

"A draw would have been fairer. But, this is an important win.

"We are closer to where we want to be, and now have momentum, going into the match against Fulham at the weekend."

With Bale in this form, Spurs fans can be optimistic of another three points on the road to a Champions League spot.

Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Gallas, Dawson, Vertonghen, Lennon, Sandro, Dembele (Huddlestone 87), Bale, Dempsey (Sigurdsson 63), Defoe.
Subs not used: Friedel, Naughton, Livermore, Townsend, Carroll.
Attendance: 36,102