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A Gareth Bale hat-trick inspired Spurs to a 4-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday evening.
Heung-min Son and Harry Kane’s partnership has been the standout attribute of Tottenham’s attacking performance this season and the South Korean’s cross found the striker early on, a tight VAR potentially occurring if the England captain could apply the finish.
The opening stages saw frequent waves of Spurs attacks as Sheffield United opted a possession-based approach which left them vulnerable.
Aaron Ramsdale’s first save of note occurred in the 16th minute, palming away Son’s curling effort from the edge of the box. The 28-year-old was hurt soon after when clattered by Blades skipper John Egan, the ball eventually cleared off the line by Chris Basham from a Kane shot.
A positive burst from Sergio Reguilon set up another chance for the striker but Kane uncharacteristically skied his effort high over Ramsdale’s goal.
As time progressed, Tottenham’s failure to secure a goal allowed the visitors to grow into the contest. The goal for Ryan Mason’s team did eventually arrive on 36 minutes through Gareth Bale.
The Welshman latched onto a perfectly executed lobbed through ball from Serge Aurier to poke the ball past Ramsdale.
A curled Dele Alli stung the palms of the Blades ‘keeper to end the first half, a dominant 45 minutes from the hosts.
The second half started with a VAR check for a potential red card against Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck, the Scotland international catching Giovani Lo Celso with his studs when trying to step over him. No violent conduct the decision from Peter Bankes and his team at Stockley Park.
Despite that decision not being ruled in their favour, Spurs thought they’d scored a second when Toby Alderweireld’s pass found Son in behind the Sheffield United defence. The South Korean finished emphatically but was judge offside after a VAR check.
Spurs doubled their lead only ten minutes later, again through Bale. From a cleared Sheffield United corner, Son nicked the ball and avoided the challenge of Ben Osborn before setting the Welshman through with the goal at his mercy. The 31-year-old made no mistake by firing into the top corner to net his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
The home side’s second had arrived due to Sheffield United overcommitting bodies and Paul Heckingbottom’s men attempted to impose themselves on Sunday evening. Oliver Norwood had their clearest opportunity of the second half on 65 minutes, a shot from the edge of the box only finding the gloves of Hugo Lloris.
Bale’s hat-trick was completed on 68 minutes. A driving run from Aurier, who was superb throughout the contest, resulted in the Ivorian squaring a pass to Bale. The forward shot low across goal past Ramsdale to complete his treble and provide Aurier with his second assist of the night.
Three became four soon after. After Bale’s departure to a ripple of applause, his replacement Steven Bergwijn carried the ball forward before playing a pass to Son. The South Korean cut the ball back before curling a wonderful effort from outside the box which rebounded off the post and in.
Kane’s off night infront of goal continued when firing another effort wide of Ramsdale’s goal, the striker keen to join Son and Bale on the scoresheet.
4-0 it would finish to Tottenham as Mason’s men rise to fifth in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Gareth Bale will correctly draw the headlines as the Welshman rolled back the years to boost Spurs’ slim hopes of Champions League football.
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