‘No doubt’ Bale is starting v Arsenal after what I spotted in Tottenham win over Zagreb – pundit
There is “no doubt” Gareth Bale is in line to start for Tottenham against Arsenal on Sunday, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he had seen a “change in body language” from the 31-year-old, typified in his substitute appearance against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Wales international came on with just over 25 minutes to play on Thursday and posed an immediate threat to the Croatian outfit.
A Harry Kane brace secured a 2-0 win for Spurs ahead of this weekend’s north London derby.
However, Whelan admitted it was what he saw from Bale that impressed and insisted he needed to start on Sunday.
“I would play Gareth Bale,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“I think he needs more game time than he does rest to really get the best out of him.
“He comes straight on last night, one touch on the left foot, outside of the foot for the cross. Absolutely audacious but what quality that was. He should have ended with a goal.
“That is what he can produce and what he can bring to Tottenham. There’s no doubt in my mind that I would be starting him against Arsenal at the weekend, and that’s what I expect.”
Bale has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances this season, including four in his last three Premier League outings.
Having struggled with fitness problems earlier this term, he has now featured in seven of Spurs’ last nine top-flight games.
In other news, Eric Dier should prepare for the Dele Alli treatment at Tottenham, claims Gabby Agbonlahor.