london (Agencies): Gareth Bale’s hat-trick gave Tottenham a comfortable victory over relegated Sheffield United as they maintained their pursuit of European football.
Bale flicked in the opener when it was lifted over the top by Serge Aurier before the right-back teed him up to thump in the third in the second half. The Welsh international was played in by Son Heung-min on the break for his second – a thumping strike which flew into the top right corner.
Son rounded off a dominant Spurs performance when he curled in a superb fourth goal. The South Korean also had a goal disallowed for offside five minutes into the second half. Bale said he was “feeling good” after starting back-to-back Premier League games.
“You have to take your chances when they come,” he said. “I just needed to play games and get a run of games and I’m doing that now. I’m happy and when I’m happy I play well.” Spurs interim head coach Ryan Mason added: “I said all along Bale hasn’t and won’t lose that ability in the final third to produce moments of excellence. He’s a world class player – he’s proved that over many years.
“The most pleasing thing was his attitude; his running for the team. You feel confident he’ll take the chances.” The result leaves Tottenham sitting five points off fourth place and the Champions League qualification spot with four games remaining. Sheffield United, who were relegated on 17 April following defeat to Wolves, had one shot on target and were unable to test goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Bale sparkles in ruthless display
Bale’s hat-trick was only his second in the Premier League and his first since December 2012 when he netted three against Aston Villa. He was one of two changes to the Spurs starting line-up as interim manager Mason called up Bale and Dele Alli in place of Harry Winks and Lucas Moura.
Both gave good accounts of themselves – Alli showing sparkles of quality in the first half before fading in the second. But it was Bale who stole the show, making a smart run in behind to poke in the opener before lashing in a powerful second after a swift break from Son down the right.
Aurier’s pass for Bale’s third was perfectly-weighted too and the Welshman drilled it into the bottom right corner to seal the hat-trick. He celebrated at full-time with a beaming smile as he collected the match ball and he notched up another milestone by becoming the sixth Welshman to surpass 50 Premier League goals.
Bale returned to Spurs on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in September and when asked if he will extend his stay, Mason said: “I think that is a discussion once the season is done. Our priority is the next game.”
