Redknapp admits Spurs could be set for title bid
Steve Griffiths
Harry Redknapp admits Tottenham could be on the verge of mounting the
club's first serious challenge for the Premier League title.
Redknapp's side kept up the pressure on leaders Manchester City and
second placed Manchester United with a hard-fought 1-0 win over West
Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane on Tuesday.
The north Londoners are six points behind City and even if second
placed Manchester United win at Newcastle on Wednesday, Spurs can still
move within three points of the top two with a victory at home to
Everton in their game in hand next Wednesday.
Redknapp stopped short of declaring that Tottenham can win the title,
but he believes they should be regarded as a threat to the two
Manchester clubs.
Winning
"I don't know about a title winning team but we are there and
thereabouts. We have to keep believing and keep going. You never know,
nothing is impossible," Redknapp said.
"It's been a great first half of the season. Considering we lost the
first two games to have the points we have is great.
"We are in there and have a lot to look forward to in the second half
of the season."
After an FA Cup third round tie against League Two minnows
Cheltenham, Redknapp's team turn their attention to the crucial clash
with Everton.
If Tottenham are to run City and United close in the title race, that
is the kind of fixture they must win and Redknapp - pointing to the
surprise results over the Christmas period - warned his players to guard
against complacency.
Results
"You aren't going to rip teams every week. You've only got to look at
some of the results over the holidays," he said.
"Blackburn won at Man United, Sunderland beat Man City and Fulham
beat Arsenal. There are no easy games for anyone in this league.
"We've got some tough games coming up. Everton will come here and be
hard to beat, that's a really difficult one."
Most of the successful sides in Tottenham's history are better
remembered for grace rather than graft but, while Redknapp's current
crop can undoubtedly play a bit, they proved they can also roll their
sleeves up and grind out a result against obdurate opposition.
Provocation
They kept cool despite the provocation of some ferocious Albion
tackles and pieced together an incisive attack that ended with Jermain
Defoe bagging the winner with a typically predatory finish in the 63rd
minute.
"It was very important to get the win and keep up there," Redknapp
said. "It was a hard night because they set up to be difficult to beat.
"For sure I was worried if we would get a goal. They were sitting in
deep."
Redknapp was relieved Defoe was able to break the deadlock and
insisted the England striker won't be sold during the January transfer
window even though this was his first league start for a month.
Contract
"Jermain has always been a goalscorer. There's no chance he will be
leaving, he is under contract," said Redknapp, who could be without
William Gallas and Sandro for several weeks after the pair sustained
calf injuries.
Albion boss Roy Hodgson showed his respect for Spurs by admitting he
sent out his side in defensive mode and he has no doubts Redknapp's men
are good enough to win the title.
"They are serious contenders for the title. They have proved that,"
Hodgson said.
"They win their matches and put pressure on City and United to win
their matches. It is a well organised side so I wouldn't bet against
them.
Distance
"They have some distance between themselves and the pack chasing. If
they win their game in hand they will have had a fantastic first half of
the season."
Hodgson also revealed captain Chris Brunt is likely to be out for
several months with an ankle injury.
"Chris will have a scan on his ankle. It's very swollen. We know it
is a serious injury, it is just a question of the degree of
seriousness," Hodgson said. LONDON, Wednesday (AFP)
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