Venables: Bale is not unstoppable

By FOX Sports Staff

The Welsh star has earned praise from all quarters for his sterling performances in recent weeks and has even been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Blessed with a wicked turn of pace, a ferocious left foot as well as the ability to change the course of a game in a matter of seconds, Bale is being considered as a premier matchwinner who could pose Arsenal no end of trouble in the Premier League encounter between the two sides.

Venables, who previously led Spurs to an FA Cup win, hailed Bale's sensational form but shied away from comments that the 23-year-old would be too powerful for the Arsenal defence.

"Bale's form at the moment is obviously a terrific boost for Tottenham. He is an exceptional player- and he will get even better - but he is not unstoppable," Venables told the Sun.

"His left foot is lethal so Arsenal must keep shovelling him across so he is always on his weaker side- especially when the goal is in sight.

"It's not easy, but defenders must stay on their feet, not dive in and not give away free-kicks within 30 or 40 yards of goal. If they do, they face being punished by Bale."

However, he did concede that Spurs have been rather impressive of late and can be considered as slight favourites for the match.

"Tottenham appear to be getting stronger while Arsenal seem to be weakening," he continued.

"Spurs are strong in defence and midfield and have pace going forward. Arsenal, unusually for them, look vulnerable in defence.

"They are also inconsistent. They get on a run of four or five games when you think they have put all their problems behind them, and then they revert to type.

"There is no doubting their footballing ability - there are few teams better to watch when they are firing. But these days they don't fire regularly enough.

"But you do not get a medal for being the best team in North London. Both teams should be aiming higher than that."

But he did express his frustration with Emmanuel Adebayor's poor showings this season. The Spurs striker has only two league goals to his name and was sent off at the Emirates Stadium for the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

"I have been so disappointed with Adebayor this season. After scoring 17 goals last year I expected good things from him but he has not done well.

"He has a chance to put a lot of that right against his former club but he needs to up his game and, more importantly, keep his cool."