'In a good moment': Eight-year first leaves Gareth Bale flying high

Gareth Bale's football renaissance has continued with another superb performance for Tottenham in the English Premier League.

Spurs captain Harry Kane's 'goal of the season' contender stole the headlines in the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, but Bale again played a major role after bagging a brace for the home side.

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Bale has struggled for form and game time this season after his high-profile return to north London, on loan from Real Madrid.

However, the Welshman's brace against Palace means he's now scored six goals in his last six games for Spurs, including goals in each of his last three home games in a row.

It represents the best set of figures in eight years for Bale, who hasn't scored in as many successive home games since September 2013, when he netted in four in a row for Real Madrid.

Bale’s run includes home goals against Wolfsberger in the Europa League, as well as Burnley and now Palace in the Premier League - with the Welshman grabbing doubles in the latter two matches.

“I think that is why I came here, [because] the attacking players we have are amazing," Bale told Sky Sports after the win against Palace.

"[It's] not just the ones who played tonight but on the bench [too.].

"We are all pushing each other and it’s good to get the three points. There is a lot of fighting for places so you have to stay on your toes and have to keep working hard.

"We are in a good moment now (and) getting the confidence back so hopefully we can keep it going. I feel good; it takes a bit of time sometimes but I'm experienced enough to be patient.

Bale and Kane struck two goals each to help Spurs move into sixth spot in the Premier League on 45 points after 27 games, two points adrift of Chelsea in fourth.

Welshman Bale rejoined Spurs from Real Madrid on a season-long loan in September after enduring his worst season in Spain in 2019-20 with three goals in all competitions.

He had a slow start to life back at Spurs due to a knee problem and a lack of first-team football, with Spurs manager Jose Mourinho admitting the star forward was carrying "psychological scars".

Bale has overcome 'psychological barrier'

However, Mourinho heaped praise on the 31-year-old for the manner in which he's been able to rediscover some of his best form.

"I found psychological scars," Mourinho said.

"When you have a couple of seasons with lots of injuries I think it is not about the muscular scars but the psychological scars — that brings fears and instability.

"There is a moment when you are working very well and everyone around you is giving everything we can give, there is a moment where that psychological barrier has to be broken.

"And he broke it. It was him, not us. We just supported him."

Kane provided the assists for both of Bale's goals against Palace and the Welshman say it just goes to show how "incredible" the team's captain is.

"He’s fantastic, an incredible striker," Bale said.

"He showed that again tonight and he has been so consistent. It was a fantastic performance again from him and we are lucky to have him here."

Bale has now scored six times in his last six games, having struck only four times in his first 16 matches upon his much-hyped return to the club.

His first against Palace was a close-range finish after good work from Lucas Moura and Kane to spring open the defence.

The second was an even more impressive strike, involving a set-up combination from ex-Madrid colleague Sergio Reguilon and a penultimate touch from Kane again.

Next up for Spurs is a Europa League round of 16 first leg tie at home to Dinamo Zagreb on Friday, before a north London derby against Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday morning (AEDT).

with agencies

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