Bale hits hat-trick as Tottenham rout Villa 4-0

Birmingham: Gareth Bale scored his first Premier League hat trick as Tottenham routed Aston Villa 4-0 on Wednesday to climb into the Champions League qualification places.

Jermain Defoe put Tottenham ahead in the 57th minute before Bale netted his goals in 23 minutes.

Tottenham moved into fourth place ahead of Everton and West Bromwich Albion on goal difference and two points behind Chelsea.

Tottenham's goal spree heaped further misery on Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who conceded eight at Chelsea on Sunday. Villa are just three points above the drop zone.