Gareth Bale helps Spurs edge past Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur have managed to hold off a late Southampton fight-back to pick up three crucial Premier League points at St Mary's.

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Gareth Bale had Spurs ahead against his former club after 17 minutes when he headed home a Jermain Defoe cross in assured fashion.

Spurs dominated possession throughout the first half and went two goals ahead before the break when Clint Dempsey was on hand to tap home after Defoe's shot came agonisingly close to crossing the line.

Saints were booed off by their own fans after a torrid 45 minutes but Nigel Adkins's side responded well in the second half.

Kyle Walker flashed an effort wide on the hour before mounting Southampton pressure led to a goal five minutes later.

Chaos reigned in the Spurs defence as Jay Rodriguez made no mistake to send the ball high into the net for his first Saints goal.

Late chances for Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Rodriguez went begging as Spurs survived to claim an important away victory.