Andre Villas-Boas hails Gareth Bale as a "game-decider"

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has hailed Gareth Bale as a "game-decider" after the Welshman scored the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Southampton this afternoon.

Bale's swerving effort was his 20th goal of the campaign and his Portuguese boss spoke glowingly of his contribution to the victory after the game.

"[Bale's goal] was a game-decider, a great moment of individual brilliance to decide the game," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News.

"We kept pushing. Gareth played three different positions - striker, left, right - to try and get the best out of him.

"Southampton dealt with him well, they were well organised. But, last-gasp, there was a bit more space, perhaps because we were pushing for the winner."

Bale was crowned PFA Player of the Year earlier this week.