[VIDEO PICK: Golazo] A delicate touch by Clint Dempsey put Gareth Bale behind the defense for what proves to be the winning goal in Tottenham’s 3-1 win over West Ham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Neither Tottenham, nor Dempsey, has performed as well as Spurs fans had hoped early this season, but this was a much better game, for both.

“It was a difficult August for me. I didn’t have a preseason with Tottenham or anybody, so I’m trying to play catch-up a little bit and trying to adjust to this team and the style they play,” said Dempsey. “I’ve been frustrated with not getting on the ball, being in the game or affecting games, but I think I’m now starting to do a better job. I was able to get a little bit more on the angle, be able to drive with the ball a bit more, take more shots and create chances for other people.”

The man from East Texas was absolutely everywhere on Saturday with five shots, nice passes, he hit the cross bar, and this lovely assist. Not sure there’s a proper adjective for the final touch by Bale, we’ll just agree to call it effective.

Tottenham plays Fulham on Saturday, when Dempsey will make his return to Craven Cottage.