Gareth Bale back to his best in Tottenham 4-0 win over Burnley

A first 45 minutes supporters have been clamouring for saw Tottenham explode for three goals in a 31-minute span on route to a resounding 4-0 win over Burnley. 

Gareth Bale, Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane started in the same 11 for the first time this season, personnel decisions that paid immediate dividends for Jose Mourinho. Bale scored on his first touch just 86 seconds into the game, the Welshman benefitting from a teasing Sonny cross.

Nipping in to touch home deftly, Bale could barely believe his fortune at the time and space he was afforded. Son and Bale’s on-pitch relationship is starting to bear fruit, with the pair, akin to Sonny and Harry Kane, developing a telepathic understanding.

Further proof that Bale has returned to his vintage, unstoppable form was repeatedly on display this afternoon, as the Welshman dominated proceedings like he did on innumerable occasions during his first stint at the club.

In the 15th minute, Bale picked up the ball in acres of space and hit a raking long ball to Kane, who took the ball in stride and, thanks to a fortuitous deflection, smashed home to double the home side’s advantage.

Lucas Moura got in on the act in the 31st minute, darting an arrow into the bottom corner. The Brazilian was on the receiving end of another accurate, albeit deflected, Sergio Reguilón cross. 

Tottenham’s menacing, formidable attack was back at it after the restart, as Son and Reguilon combined nicely before Bale’s lethal left-footed finish. The Welshman could not have struck it more sweetly. His celebration oozed belief, bravado and assuredness.

Witnessing Bale’s recovery and recent transformation brings the kind of unbridled joy Spurs supporters haven’t experienced since the day his signing from Madrid was confirmed. It was exactly the kind of statement that will resonate with Tottenham supporters and reverberate across world football.

While we should all be careful, after just a single resoundingly strong performance against an admittedly poor Burnley side, to temper our excitement and collective expectations, based on that performance, you wouldn’t be off base to assert that both Bale, and Tottenham, are back to their high-octane, venerable best.