Dele, Bale get rare starts as Tottenham thump Sheffield

By Aaron Coe | May 2, 2021

Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 2, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh midfielder /

Coach Ryan Mason gave Dele Alli and Gareth Bale starting nods for Tottenham Hotspur against relegated Sheffield United. Former star Alli only had two starts in the Leauge this season under former coach Jose Mourinho. Bale was in and out under the previous coach. While only one match, putting Bale and Dele on the pitch seemed to pay off.

Tottenham Starting Four we Want

Ryan Mason was going for it versus Sheffield United starting the four Spurs everyone has been waiting to see together all season. Mason included both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale in the team to face the Pirates.

Bale and Alli of course joined Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, for the Son, Kane, Alli, and Bale quartet we have longed for. With Lo Celso in a deeper position next to Pierre Højbjerg, it is clear the intent for Tottenham was to attack.

The back four for the Lilywhites is a familiar group, with Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld in the middle. Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon are on either side of the two center-halves. Matt Doherty was back in the substitutes bench and was joined by Davinson Sanchez for defense, with every other substitute – less Joe Hart – a midfielder or attacker.

Based on the 20 players chosen the plan was clear, the question was could Tottenham execute?

A Strong first half for Spurs

Tottenham was the dominant side in the first half as the defensive pressure that was not present versus Manchester City was obvious against Sheffield. Again and again United turned the ball over giving it back to Tottenham to look for a crease in the defense.

As the Spurs were intercepting and recovering the ball in the attacking half, it seemed only a matter of time before Tottenham broke through with a goal. As Tottenham peppered Aaron Ramsdale and the Sheffield goal, the Spurs accumulated 10 shots in the half, with five on target.

A mix of long diagonal balls and attempts to get crosses into the box kept Sheffield off balance and contributed to a dominating 74% first-half Tottenham possession. Eventually, a little chip from Serge Aurier over the defense and a nice dink of touch from Gareth Bale beat Ramsdale and unlocked the Pirates.

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