A second-half strike from Gareth Bale was enough to secure all three points for Tottenham Hotspur against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.

Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the winner against West Brom on February 3, 2013 © PA Photos

An evenly-matched first half saw both sides create goalscoring opportunities but neither were able to break the deadlock.

Tottenham were forced to make an early substitution when Jermain Defoe was fouled by Claudio Yacob, resulting in the 30-year-old being taken off before half time and replaced by Lewis Holtby.

The Baggies found themselves reduced to 10 men within two minutes of the restart, as Goran Popov was shown a red card for spitting in the direction of Kyle Walker.

Goran Popov makes his way off the field after being shown a straight red card in the match against Tottenham on February 3, 2013 © PA Photos

The sending off saw Steve Clarke switch his side to a more defensive system, taking Romelu Lukaku, who had been West Brom's main goal threat, off for Liam Ridgewell.

The visitors soon made their extra man count, Bale keeping Ben Foster busy in the West Brom goal.

However, the Welshman created himself some space at the edge of the penalty area, firing the ball beyond Foster to put Tottenham ahead in the 66th minute.

Shane Long and Michael Dawson battle for the ball on February 3, 2013 © PA Photos

Shane Long looked a threat for the home side when on the ball, but some good defending from Michael Dawson and a save from Hugo Lloris kept it out of the Spurs goal.

The result keeps Spurs in fourth and West Brom in ninth in the Premier League table.