Premier League: Tottenham 1 Fulham 0

Tottenham moved back into the top four in the Premier League as they extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-0 win over Fulham.

Gareth Bale scored the game’s only goal, shortly before half-time, but relegation-threatened Fulham fought tenaciously and were unlucky not to leave White Hart Lane with a point.

Much of the buzz before the match was about the prospect of David Beckham joining Tottenham on loan, and it was intriguing to speculate where the former England captain might fit in.

It is widely believed Beckham might struggle with the speed of Premier League football now, but as Harry Redknapp pointed out beforehand, his quickness of mind more than makes up for his lack of pace.

Certainly Tottenham were crying out for guile and inspiration in a turgid first-half, with Fulham swamping midfield and defending solidly until Bale scored shortly before half-time.

The goal came from the sort of free-kick Beckham would have fancied – 35 yards out and in a central position.

But Tottenham have their own dead-ball specialist in Rafael van der Vaart, and it was from the Dutchman’s kick that Bale headed Spurs ahead in the 43rd minute.

The Welshman, who had struggled to get free for any of his trademark runs down the left wing, directed a header past Mark Schwarzer, who was wrong-footed on his goal-line.

The relief around White Hart Lane was palpable, because it looked like Spurs might never break down a battling Fulham side, who are fighting for their position in the top flight.

Schwarzer had to make a sharp save from a fierce Bale shot shortly after the goal, but up to that point the Fulham goalkeeper had been well shielded by his team-mates.

Fulham were in need of an equaliser and became much more adventurous after half time.

Damien Duff shot narrowly wide from a tight angle, Clinto Dempsey went close a couple of times and Michael Dawson had to make a goal line clearance after Andy Johnson’s shot was only half-stopped by Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs had their chances too, with Lennon and substitute Peter Crouch going close, but in a frantic finale, Spurs held on for another valuable three points.