Bale - We've overtaken Arsenal

Tottenham star Gareth Bale has claimed Spurs are now a better side than Arsenal after overtaking their fierce rivals in the quality stakes.

Last Updated: 24/02/13 at 11:28 Post Comment   

Gareth Bale: Believes Spurs are a better side than rivals Arsenal

Gareth Bale: Believes Spurs are a better side than rivals Arsenal

The north Londoners are on course to secure a UEFA Champions League spot after impressing this season under Andre Villas-Boas.

Bale, who has been integral to their form, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, believes they have pulled ahead of neighbours Arsenal, who have struggled for consistency this term.

The Welsh winger told The Sun: "I think five or 10 years ago Arsenal were always miles ahead of Tottenham. But that has changed in recent years.

"Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I think now we have overtaken them on the pitch. I think we have the stronger squad.

"Hopefully we can continue to do that as a club off the pitch as well, with the new stadium that is being built.

"But on the pitch and as a team now we are a lot more consistent and as a club we're moving in the right direction.

"Arsenal may say they are still ahead of us.

"But whatever people's opinions, I don't think anyone can deny we are up there fighting with them on merit now."

Free role

Bale, who established himself as a left winger at Spurs in recent seasons after moving from left-back, is enjoying the increased freedom being given to him by Villas-Boas this term.

He added: "Since I moved position over the last couple of years I've been getting double-marked on the left so it's been frustrating.

"Now I've been able to come inside with this free role and it's enabled me to enjoy my football, have more space and be able to do more things.

"All great players have had to evolve their games. When people become aware of you they try to stop the ball getting to you and double up on you.

"You always want to improve your game anyway and this has forced me to do so. It's been a challenge, I really enjoy doing it and I think I'm seeing the rewards now.

"I think the manager has to take a bit of credit. By giving me that free role he's given me the confidence to do what I'm doing now.

"I just want to keep doing it and keep learning. Hopefully there's still more to come."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Bastian Schweinsteiger aiming to treat Wembley to footballing perfection

Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger aims to treat Wembley to footballing perfection in the Champions League final.

Pardew to remain at the helm

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will remain in charge at St James' Park after holding talks about his future with owner Mike Ashley.

LB: Toffees won't come unstuck

Leighton Baines insists the upheaval of losing manager David Moyes to Manchester United after 11 years in charge will not derail Everton.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved