Bale did not look ‘best chuffed’ when hooked after nearly an hour (59 minutes) into the North London Derby but did the 31-year-old deserve to get hooked, by José Mourinho?
The quick answer is that beyond two examples of dribbling, then yes. No shots, no assists, no shot assists, and two failed crosses didn’t deliver anything that inspired. Naturally being dropped in to aid the drowning Matt Doherty did little to aid his chances, but on balance it was another mediocre performance, by anyone’s expectations.
I was sure he’d be hooked at HT. Just as culpable as the others but he left Doherty exposed from the off. Compounded by Doherty’s lack of awareness. Neither took steps to address the problem and PEH already had his hands full. Fully expected to see Sissoko and Aurier appear second half for Bale and Doherty ( leaving aside what this might have done to Doherty’s surely fragile confidence at this point.)
Never mind protecting Doherty surely he should not have been selected in the first place?? Clearly having the confidence of Mourinho how on earth he still features in the side beggars belief but then I don’t select the team!
He did nothing to suggest he should remain on the pitch,but that applies to any number of our players.I thought Sissok was brought on to help protect Doherty,but that didn’t appear to be the case.Strange sub by Mourinho.
The game is all about pressing as a team nowadays and Bale doesn’t press or track back, any full back was going to be under pressure in those circumstances.
The question is does Bale contribute enough to outweigh his lack of pressing and the extra pressure that puts on other players to cover that.
There were quite a few that could’ve been replaced after that first 45. Perhaps the heat is more on Bale due to his reputation and pay. And whilst that’s all very valid, he had probably the worst fullback behind him that we’ve seen at Spurs in a generation. That’s surely going to compromise any forward’s ability to do their own job effectively.