Defoe gives Tottenham 1-0 win over West Brom

LONDON (AP) — Tottenham consolidated third place in the English Premier League on Tuesday after Jermain Defoe's goal secured a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom's stubborn resistance took until the 63rd minute to be broken down when Spurs slickly produced the goal that pushed them five points above fourth-place Chelsea with a game in hand.

Fed by Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale crossed from the left to Defoe, who found space in a crowded penalty area to shoot on the turn into the net.

"It was a hard night," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. "They set up to be difficult to beat ... it was hard work breaking them down.

"I couldn't see (a Spurs …