Tottenham Hotspur 3 Internazionale 0: Bale engineers another Italian dismantling

Friday 8 March 2013

Andre Villas-Boas had warned Internazionale that Gareth Bale had improved immeasurably in the two years, four months and five days that had passed since the famous "Taxi for Maicon" night at White Hart Lane when the Welshman took the Italians' world-class Brazilian right-back apart.

Gareth Bale, right, turns away to celebrate after giving Tottenham the lead. Picture: Kerim Okten/EPA

Custom byline text:

Steve Nailor at White Hart Lane

The proof was there for the whole of Europe to see last night as Bale came back to haunt Inter once again as Tottenham romped to a very impressive Europa League win in north London.

Bale headed in Gylfi Sigurdsson's cross to put his side ahead after just five minutes and set up Jan Vertonghen for the third after Sigurdsson himself had scored the second.Bale missed two chances to match the hat trick he scored in the San Siro two seasons ago, but in the end it did not matter as Tottenham completely dominated a poor Inter team seemingly determined to get knocked out of the competition so they can concentrate on qualifying for the Champions League via Serie A.Although questions will be raised about Bale going to ground too easily again after he was booked for diving, the fact that he will miss next week's return leg will not trouble Villas-Boas, who knows his side are all but guaranteed a place in the last eight of the competition thanks to last night's result.Bale, who now has 21 goals to his name this season, will take most of the plaudits, but there was not one bad performance from a man in white. Scott Parker, Sigurdsson, Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele, in particular, were outstanding.Considering three-time Champions League winners Inter are the most recognised name left in the draw, few would bet against Villas-Boas winning his second Europa League this year with Tottenham."We played well and set the tempo from first whistle," said Bale. "We immediately made it difficult for them, it was a great performance and a worthy result. It's always nice to get a goal, however it comes and I'm enjoying playing."The striker Jermain Defoe believes Tottenham will be able to cope without Bale in the return. "Hopefully, we've done enough but it's always going to be difficult going there, with their home fans, and they're still a top side," he said.The England striker was starting his first game in over a month and was delighted to play a part in a memorable night."It's always nice to get back playing after an injury, I felt strong," he added. "In the squad and a good result so I'm delighted."

Contextual targeting label:

Sport

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Internazionale 0: Bale engineers another Italian dismantling

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED