Eight goals in his last eight games: how Tottenham fans will be thinking what might have been.
Underused by Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason had a hunch this might be the Welshman's night after what he revealed had been a bright week in training and how it proved. Six shots, five on target, three goals but Bale bristled with intent all night, relishing the freedom to roam with Kane, Son and Alli.
"Gareth Bale has been the jewel in Tottenham's attacking crown," said Sky Sports' co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe. "He's given a movement and finishing masterclass."
What the managers said
Tottenham's Ryan Mason: "I thought Gareth was outstanding, his goals were world-class. No one should have doubted his ability in the final third; he's proved for a number of years he's one of the best in the world in those moments. He showed real commitment for the team and the moments he produced were outstanding.
"I think it's a conversation at the end of the season between Gareth, the club and his parent club. I'm really happy that Gareth's happy.
"I thought it was an outstanding performance. We've had a week to train hard and instil some principles. Most important was the attitude, the desire to compete and we paired it with moments."
On Fleck catching Lo Celso: "Absolutely it's a red card, no doubt. Looking at that once should be enough. I'm shocked the referee hasn't been told to have a look at it."
Sheffield United's Paul Heckingbottom: "We have to be at our best every week to get a result and we weren't. The first half upset me the most. It wasn't good enough. There's an anger at that first half. I don't enjoy watching that. The first goal is so passive. The second is a counter from our corner. The third is a giveaway in a bad area. We can't afford to give those players those kind of opportunities.
"When we came out in the second half, it was a much better attitude. It's an attitude and a mentality thing. Between now and the end of the season, it has to be a team that's willing to fight. It's taken its toll since the first lockdown and we've had a change in personnel. We need the fans back. But how we approach the final four games is important."
On Fleck: "There's no place for that on a football pitch but the VAR has looked at it and it's been deemed accidental and unintentional."
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