Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas. Photo credit: Andrew Matthews/PA wire

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas described Gareth Bale’s solo goal in the 1-1 draw at Norwich as “beautiful” but was unhappy with Alex Tettey’s attempt to halt the Welshman at the halfway line as the winger began his brilliant run.

Wes Hoolahan’s 32nd-minute goal gave the Canaries a deserved lead, but Spurs winger Gareth Bale equalised after 80 minutes with a scintillating run from his own half which he finished off with a shot into the bottom corner.

“Had the boy got on to Gareth’s ankle it’s an injury that takes him out for six months,” the Portuguese said.

Chris Hughton was perplexed by Villas-Boas’ reaction.

“I’m surprised by that,” the Norwich boss said.

“The way that Bale went past him there didn’t seem too much wrong with Gareth Bale to me. I don’t think anybody got near him.

“We could pick holes in where the play started, could we have stopped it at the source? And arguably we could’ve done.

“Occasionally you have to hold your hand up and just say it’s a great goal by a top-class player.”

Tottenham, who were also knocked out of the FA Cup by lower division opposition last weekend as Leeds won at Elland Road, had been second best in the opening half but were strong in the second and deserving of a point. Germany international Lewis Holtby made his Spurs debut in the second period as a substitute and impressed.

Villas-Boas added: “He was good. The team improved so much in the second half that it obviously helped Lewis’ performance.

“It was extremely good to see him out on the pitch. I think he had the right impact for such a short time.”