It goes without saying that a strong defence, and conceding as little number of goals as possible, is just as important as scoring goals in football. It also goes without saying that Gareth Bale is not a defender (not any more anyway). So try telling the Tottenham defence (and indeed goalkeeper Hugo Lloris) that Gareth Bale is responsible for the great run of defensive form that has seen them concede just 9 goals in their last 14 league appearances (and only once in those 14 matches have they conceded more than a single goal). Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen (pictured), Michael Dawson, Steven Caulker, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and company have been in inspired form this season, conceding 30 goals in 26 games in the league so far - which is less than leaders Manchester United and part of the reason Spurs lie in 4th position in the table.