Another magnificent performance by Spurs’ left midfield sensation Gareth Bale saw Tottenham take a justified 3-1 victory over Champions League holders Inter Milan and see the Spurs elevated to the top of group A.
The Welshman set up two goals for his fellow team mates Crouch and Pavlyuchenko who capped off a night that will go down as a historical night in Tottenham’s elusive history. Time and time again, Bale used his frightening pace and craft to make a world class right back in.
Maicon at times looked like an amateur and ensure Tottenham gained a crucial 3 points In securing qualification from group A. It was only last year that Bale was struggling to establish himself in the Tottenham side, but since then he has progressed into what pundits are now calling one of the best left midfielder in the world after persistently performing at an exceptional level in both the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Speaking after the victory, Harry Redknapp was once again full of praise for Bale labelling his performance as ‘amazing’ and joked that he was going to get him tested for drugs as a result of the quality he showed throughout the match.
Former Hull City manager Iain Dowie said:
“This is quite a statement, but I think he has the best left foot in the world.”
This evening proved pivotal as Spurs looked to fully establish themselves as a force in Europe and certainly showed they are no pushovers by commanding the game from start to finish. At times Bale overshadowed what was an exceptional team performance by Tottenham with
Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart also demonstrating the quality Spurs have throughout their star-studded lineup.
Samuel Eto’o did offer a lifeline for Inter with a well placed finish on the 81st minute and ensured a tense finish at White Hart Lane, but from kick-off Tottenham played with a determination which few teams would struggle to match and ended any nerves with Bale providing Pavlyuchenko with a neat cross for him to make it 3-1 and ensure no way back for the European giants.
A performance as good as this one will surely install a wave of euphoria throughout the club and convince Spurs that they really can achieve greatness in this competition and at least reach the quarterfinal stage and from there, who knows. Outplaying a side as great as Inter Milan is no easy accomplishment no matter where you play them and is sure to put a smile on Harry Redknapp’s face who has spent the last few days justifying his words over the farcical Nani goal in the weekend.
The main priority for Spurs now must be to ensure another season in the Champions League as they begin their quest to become an exclusive member of the ‘top 4’ after the empty vacancy left as a result of Liverpool’s plummet to the bottom half of the Premier League.
This is evidently crucial if they want to fully establish themselves as a top European club and to keep attracting the likes of van der Vaart and to keep hold of Gareth Bale who will inevitably be a wanted man in the summer. Rumors are also lurking that Barcelona are preparing a January offer for Luka Modric after their President is ready to accept that their previous target Cesc Fabregas is unlikely to join his boyhood team in the near future.
To guarantee these stars within the Spurs’ lineup, Champions League football is a must and that will prove a harder task with Manchester City rapidly looking a much improved side and a certainty to be in the top 4 this season.
I apologize to Spurs fans who feel I am being negative after a sensational result on Tuesday night, however I feel it must be recognized that in order to improve as a club, the prime focus must be to repeat their outstanding fourth place finish from last season and to push on and eventually consider challenging for the Premier League title which in recent years has been dominated by Manchester United and Chelsea.
Also see: Tottenham 3-1 Inter Milan: Match Highlights | Gareth Bale and Spurs beat Inter Milan 3-1 as Rafael Benitez goes Eric Cantona crazy again.
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