Bale hattrick helps Spurs stay in race

LONDON: Gareth Bale’s stunning hattrick earned Tottenham Hotspur a 40 win over relegated Sheffield United to keep it in the hunt for a topfour finish in the English

Premier League yesterday.

The Welshman, who has returned to Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid having left in 2013, opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a clever flick.

He doubled the lead just past the hour mark with a stylish finish into the top corner — his 50th premier league goal.

Bale then made it 30 shortly afterwards when he drilled another leftfooted effort low into the corner to complete his first premier league hattrick since 2012.

Son Heungmin, who earlier had a goal disallowed, produced a trademark effort to complete the rout.

Tottenham’s second league win under interim manager Ryan Mason lifted it above Liverpool and West Ham United into fifth place in the standings with 56 points, five behind Chelsea, with four games remaining.

Bale’s display will leave Tottenham fans asking why he was not given more opportunities to roll back the years by Jose Mourinho.

Eight of Bale’s 14 premier league appearances under Mourinho were as a substitute.

It looks likely Bale will return to Madrid at the end of the season, although after yesterday’s display Spurs fans will be hoping he can extend his stay.

‘‘You have to take your chances when they come, so I’m feeling good,’’ Bale said.

‘‘I just needed to play games and get a run of games and I’m doing that now.

‘‘I’m happy and when I’m happy I play well.’’

µ Mohamed Elneny and PierreEmerick Aubameyang scored either side of halftime as Arsenal cruised to a 20 away victory over Newcastle United yesterday.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured all three points to move up to ninth in the league table.

Newcastle struggled to impose itself, but it remains nine points clear of the relegation places. — Reuters