The Welsh international, who returned to his former club on a loan spell from Real Madrid, came on as a substitute in the 70th minute and headed home the winner three minutes later.

"It's a great feeling," said Bale.

"I haven't played a lot of football. I had a little problem with my knee so it's taking a bit of time. I worked for the team and was lucky enough to get the goal."

Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan missed his first Premier League game for Brighton in almost two years.

The 28-year-old who played every league match last season, and started the first six of this term, was left out of the side along with top-scorer Neil Maupay for what manager Graham Potter described as "tactical decisions".

Spaniard Robert Sanchez instead got the nod, making his debut between the sticks for the Seagulls.

"It's a breather for Maty, who has played a lot of football over the last two or three years, and I'm looking forward to seeing Rob," the manager explained in his post-match press conference.

Harry Kane gave Spurs the lead with a controversial 13th-minute penalty after he was fouled on the edge of the area and it was awarded by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Tariq Lamptey levelled for the visitors in the second-half but Bale's decider helped Jose Mourinho's side improve to 14 points, two behind leading champions Liverpool.

"We know not to get too carried away," Bale replied when asked about Tottenham's title chances.

"There are some great teams, we are just going to keep working as hard as we can."

Earlier, Southampton almost blew a four-goal advantage as they survived a late fight-back from Aston Villa in a 4-3 thriller that saw the Saints jump to fourth.

Everton missed the chance to overtake city rivals Liverpool at the top of the table after Callum Wilson scored twice to earn 11th-placed Newcastle United a 2-1 home victory.

And Arsenal snatched a 1-0 triumph against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

United are struggling in 15th after their third defeat in six games and still without a league win at home - their worst start at Old Trafford since 1972-73.

"We didn't turn up, especially in the first half," said United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his 100th game as manager.

"That's what we have to address because we know these boys can be so good."

Arsenal had the better chances and earned a deserved penalty winner when Paul Pogba brought down Hector Bellerin in the box and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted in the 69th.

"I'm delighted because we played with a lot of courage and big personality," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised.

"Individually you have to win the fights and step up to the occasion and the performance of every player today was top drawer."

The Gunners' first away win over United since 2006 lifts them to ninth in the table on 12 points.

Australian Associated Press