Glenn Hoddle baffled by Gareth Bale role in Tottenham defeat to Chelsea

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Glenn Hoddle spoke of his bemusement at Jose Mourinho’s decision not to utilise Gareth Bale during Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The former England star was working as a co-commentator on BT Sport and made the comments during the live coverage (BT Sport; 21:00).

Bale was an unused substitute during the defeat, with Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura summonsed from the bench ahead of him.

His return to Tottenham hasn’t gone according to plan and his lack of game time is proving surprising.

Hoddle thinks that Bale could have been capable of helping Spurs back into the game last night.

He told BT Sport: “It’s a really strange one. He’s not done much since signing, I get that. What he does have though is that ability to provide the one moment of magic, give them that little bit of something. He’s not got the chance to do it.”

Tottenham have now lost three Premier League games on the trot and Mourinho has plenty of work to do.

Their play during the three defeats has been abysmal and in truth, Tottenham never looked like scoring last night.

TBR View: Move for Bale hasn’t worked out

Based on last night’s decision, it would seem as though Mourinho has washed his hands of Bale.

The 31-year-old has started just twice in the Premier League and can’t seem to force his way into his boss’ plans.

Bale has scored four goals in 15 appearances in all competitions but hasn’t really set the club alight since arriving.

Still, Hoddle has a point when he suggests that he could have been capable of providing a spark that was badly missing last night.

There are some decisions to be made over Bale in the coming months.

Last night Tottenham were in desperate need of a lift and that face Mourinho didn’t turn to the 83-cap star perhaps tells a big story.