Bale: Tottenham are better than Arsenal

Tottenham star Gareth Bale believes his side are now a better team than Arsenal as they battle for a top-four spot.

Tottenham star Gareth Bale believes his side are now a better team than Arsenal as they battle for a top-four spot.

Andre Villas-Boas’ men are in fourth with 48 points after 26 games, and they can go four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal if they beat West Ham away on Monday.

And while Arsene Wenger’s trophy haul has been significantly better than that of any of his rivals at White Hart Lane, Bale believes Tottenham now have a stronger squad.

“I think five or 10 years ago Arsenal were always miles ahead of Tottenham, but that has changed in recent years,” he told The Sun.

“Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I think now we have overtaken them on the pitch. I think we have the stronger squad.

“Hopefully we can continue to do that as a club off the pitch as well, with the new stadium that is being built, but on the pitch and as a team now we are a lot more consistent and as a club we’re moving in the right direction.

“Arsenal may say they are still ahead of us, but whatever people’s opinions I don’t think anyone can deny we are up there fighting with them on merit now.”

The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals in the English Premier League this season to alert some of Europe’s top clubs.

While he is pleased to be linked with Real Madrid, he said he was happy after moving to a more central position at Tottenham.

“I am probably in the best form of my career,” Bale said.

“It’s probably the most I’ve enjoyed my football as well. I think the manager has to take a bit of credit – by giving me that free role he’s given me the confidence to do what I’m doing now.”

Bale did nothing to dampen rumours of a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu and hopes to reach Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo’s level.

“As an all-round player I think (Ronaldo) is better than Lionel Messi,” he said.

“It’s obviously flattering that I am playing well enough to be compared to him. Hopefully I can keep on improving and get to the level he’s at now.”