A spectacular second half strike from Gareth Bale proved to be enough to help Tottenham Hotspur overcome West Brom in a 0-1 victory at the Hawthorns.
Manager of West Bromwich Albion, Steve Clarke threw up a surprise with his team selection.
Playing Romelu Lukaku and Shane Long alongside each other was a signal of intent to go on the offensive from the start. The two of them created loads of chances, unfortunately to no avail.
Andre Villas Boas, Tottenham Hotspur manager started Gareth Bale in midfield rather than on the wings and the speedster did look a tad bit uneasy making runs down the middle.
To the horror for Villas Boas, Jermaine Defoe was substituted in the first half itself. The English striker limped off the pitch after he fell over on his ankle. With Emmanuel Adebayor away on international duty and now Defoe injured, Tottenham suddenly have a shortage of strikers.
Shane Long had a chance from point blank range after being fed by Graham Dorrans in the 20th minute. Hugo Loris made a diving effort to save the shot.
In the last minute of injury time of the first half Bale had a wonderful chance to put his side ahead, but his shot was tipped over the bar by Ben Foster.
None of the keepers were tested in the first half after an array of shots went wide at both ends.
West Brom was dealt with a massive blow as Goran Popav was sent for an early shower after spitting at Kyle Walker. Some would say that the decision by Mark Clattenburg was slightly harsh.
It was in the 67th minute that Bale unleashed a powerful left footer that went screaming past Foster into the top corner and gave Tottenham the initiative. A goal down and player down as well, the game looked done and dusted.
After taking the lead the Spurs looked comfortable with the lead and did not look to add to their tally.
Tottenham enjoyed a major chunk of possession throughout the game and also had a lot more goal scoring opportunities.
This victory has taken the Spurs up to fourth place in the table, unbeaten in nine EPL games and one point behind third placed Chelsea. As a result of the loss West Brom stay in ninth spot taking their winless streak to six games.