Ryan Mason heaps praise on Gareth Bale after hat-trick in Tottenham Hotspur's 4-0 rout over Sheffield United

Bale, on loan at his former club from Real Madrid, scored his first Spurs treble since 2012 to keep alive his side’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, and heap more misery on relegated United.

Bale opened the scoring when he latched onto Serge Aurier’s pass to lob over Aaron Ramsdale, and added a second after racing away following a Blades corner.

He made it three for himself and Spurs with a clinical left-footed finish from another Aurier pass, before teammate Son capped the win with a curled fourth.

The South Korean earlier had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, and Mason said of Bale: “I thought he was outstanding.

“His goals were world class, no one should have doubted that ability he has in the final third because he’s proved over the years that he’s one of the best in the world in these moments.

“He ran and fought for the team and the moments he produced for the team were outstanding.

“I thought it was an outstanding performance, we’ve had a week with the group to work them hard and try and install some principles.

“There was a desire to compete and run and fight, paired with the moments of brilliance we had, individually and as a team. It was a brilliant night.”

"It's always nice to get another hat-trick and another match ball,” Bale said.

"I remember my last hat-trick - Villa away I think. It was a while ago and it's nice to get a hat-trick, but more importantly it's three points for the team and we move on to the next one.

"Obviously you have to take your chances when they come, and thankfully I had a few tonight. I'm feeling good. As I've said before I just needed to play games and get a run of games and I'm doing that now, so I'm happy and when I'm happy I normally play well.”