Gareth Bale says Tottenham 'want to attack' under Ryan Mason

Gareth Bale admitted Tottenham were happier playing on the front foot during their 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday evening.

The Welshman was key to the victory over the Saints as his stunning left-footed effort levelled the scores before fellow frontman Son Heung-min made it 2-1 with just minutes to go, handing interim boss Ryan Mason a win in his first game in charge.

Bale's relationship with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho seemed to be fractious from the outset, with the the Real Madrid loanee afforded just six Premier League starts by the Portuguese tactician, and he appeared to take a thinly veiled dig at his former boss when asked how he felt the team could improve following Mourinho's departure.

"Just to be on the front foot a bit more," he replied when asked of possible improvements by Sky Sports (via the Daily Mail). "We want to attack, we're a big team, we have great players."

Spurs found themselves in a spot of bother at half-time during their clash with the Saints, trailing 1-0 following Danny Ings' superb header.

The Wales international was asked about his side's comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while his response was brief, he was full of praise for new boss Mason.

"Very good team talk at half-time," he said. "Came out, second half, and played really well."

After Tottenham withdrew from the Super League on Tuesday night, Bale was also asked to comment on the club's part in the breakaway competition saga, though he refused to be drawn on the subject.

"As players all we've all been focusing on trying to get the new manager to settle in," he added. "As far as I'm concerned, the matter's closed - it's not happening - and we carry on as normal."