Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale linked on two occasions for the latter to score two goals as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-1 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

Spurs could have taken the lead in the opening exchanges, but Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny guessed correctly to turn Rafael van der Vaart's effort wide.

However, the keeper was powerless to prevent the home side taking the lead after 20 minutes. Van der Vaart found Lennon, who in turn released an unmarked Bale on the left wing and the Welsh international drilled his effort past Kenny.

Van der Vaart was presented with a second opportunity to face Kenny one-on-one in the 33rd minute and on this occasion he came out on top. Ledley King's mis-cued shot fell to the feet of the Dutchman and he sent Kenny the wrong way from 12 yards out.

Neil Warnock's decision to send on Jay Bothroyd for the second half gave QPR some presence in attack and the former Arsenal striker reduced the arrears just after the hour-mark. Heidar Helguson flicked the ball on and Bothroyd was on hand to head in from close range.

Alejandro Faurlin then forced Brad Friedel into a diving save as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.

However, any chance they had of taking something from the encounter all but ended when Lennon and Bale created another opening, resulting in Bale curling into the top corner of the net with 18 minutes remaining.

The three points has moved Spurs up to fifth in the Premier League table.