Gareth Bale scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur FC tightened their grip on third place in the Premier League by defeating Norwich City FC 2-0, after rivals Arsenal FC dropped points at home.

The Wales winger broke the deadlock at Carrow Road ten minutes into the second period with a low shot under John Ruddy, having been set up neatly by Emmanuel Adebayor. Bale doubled the lead midway through the half, adroitly chipping over Ruddy after running on to a Luka Modrić through ball.

The victory means Spurs have a four-point advantage and a game in hand over Chelsea FC and are five clear of neighbours Arsenal, a place further back in fifth.

The Gunners were held 1-1 at home by lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, who played the last quarter of an hour with ten men following the dismissal of Nenad Milijaš for a challenge on Mikel Arteta. Gervinho had given Arsenal an early lead, only for Steven Fletcher (38) to turn in a Stephen Hunt shot.

The other game, between Swansea City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC, also ended 1-1. QPR, who equalised through Jamie Mackie (58), have not won in six league matches.