Gareth Bale proved that ‘class is permanent’ during Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-1 Europa League victory away at Wolfsberger AC on Thursday, Martin Keown told talkSPORT (19 February, 10am).
It is fair to say a few members of Jose Mourinho’s starting XI had a point to prove during the first-leg clash in Austria. And prove it they most certainly did.
After committing a couple of high-profile blunders against Manchester City and Everton, Hugo Lloris rolled back the years with a truly exceptional first-half save at the Lavanttal Arena.
At the other end, Dele Alli produced the odd mind-bending moment of magic while Carlos Vinicius put that Chelsea sitter behind him with a classy volley late on.
But most of the talk, post-game, centred around a certain Welsh winger who, with 28 minutes on the clock, provided a rare glimpse of the staggering technical ability that once made him the most expensive footballer in history.
Bamboozling a Wolfsberger defender with an ingenious backheel, Bale then smashed a ruthless finish into the top corner.
“Class is permanent, form is temporary,” Arsenal legend Keown said at full-time. “There were flashes, his goal particularly.
“It was a positive for Spurs, you look at the number of games they’ve lost recently – five of their last six. Mourinho has never really been in that position.
“Bale is now knocking on the door. I’d really like to see him play.
“Why not put him in (against West Ham United on Sunday)? I think Spurs really need him. The fans need a lift and Mourinho needs players out there who can win games for Tottenham.”
Bale’s second spell in North London can best be described as ‘underwhelming’.
But, as Keown himself said, there were enough flashes of brilliance on Thursday to suggest that £86 million superstar is still in there somewhere.
Bale also set up Heung-Min Son’s opener and, after his wonderful individual strike, performed with a style and a swagger not seen for far too long.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
