Bale, Kane combine to dismantle Palace as Spurs’ boost top four chances
Gareth Bale and Harry Kane did the damage as Spurs beat Crystal Palace 4-1 to move sixth in the Premier League table on Sunday.
Bale’s revival continued with a lively individual display, and the Welshman’s evening got off to a strong start when he turned home Kane’s cross from close range after 25 minutes.
But Tottenham, who had largely controlled the first-half albeit with little in the way of clear chances, were stung just before the break when Christian Benteke headed home to make it 1-1 at half time with Palace’s first significant attempt of the match.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 ⏱ 7 days ➡️ 9 points.
⚪️ #THFC 4-1 #CPFC 🦅 pic.twitter.com/GRcTopUmhM
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 7, 2021
The setback just before the interval kick-started Spurs, who responded with a brilliant period of play after the restart, retaking the lead when Kane headed back across goal for Bale to grab his second of the night on 49 minutes.
And just three minutes later it was Kane’s turn to get on the scoreboard, whipping a gem of a shot into the far top corner from the edge of the box.
A 𝗕𝗜𝗚 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 🙌
🏟️ 📌 Join @benhainess and @BillyMonger for 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 post-match reaction after today’s 4-1 win against Crystal Palace! #N17Live ⚪️ #COYS https://t.co/rnZTui0eYt
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 7, 2021
It was the England centre-forward who made the game safe as the clock ticked past 76 minutes, finishing off a brilliant team move that saw Erik Lamela and Heung-Min Son lay it on a plate for Kane, and that was his last significant involvement of the night as he was given a rest for the last ten minutes of the game.
The result sees Spurs move to within two points of Chelsea in the Champions League qualification places as Jose Mourinho’s side continued to rediscover their form just in time for the business end of the campaign.