Harry Redknapp has praised Tottenham’s defence, suggesting that it’s an advantage they have in the title race.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their second goal against West Ham
Pundit and former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has told BT Sport that he thinks Tottenham have a better defence than any of the other teams in the top six of the Premier League.
Spurs had gone seven games without a win in all competitions before taking on West Ham United at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening, and the night got off to a terrible start as Michail Antonio headed the visitors in front.
Spurs found an equaliser when Harry Winks scored his first Premier League goal from close range, but West Ham went back in front from a Manuel Lanzini penalty, after Vincent Janssen had fouled Winston Reid inside the area.
However, West Ham fell apart in the dying stages, as Harry Kane turned home Heung-min Son’s cross to equalise, before Son was brought down by Havard Nordtveit for a last-gasp penalty, and Kane converted to hand Spurs all three points.
It was a vital fightback for Spurs, who have ended that winning run and have kept within touching distance of the top four, as defeat or a draw would’ve left them cut adrift of Arsenal.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks celebrates with manager Mauricio Pochettino
Now, before Chelsea’s game with Middlesbrough, just three points separate first from fifth, meaning we could be set for the fiercest Premier League title race in many years.
Speaking to BT Sport after Tottenham’s victory, pundit and former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp suggested that the title race is ‘wide open’ – but noted a major advantage that Pochettino’s men hold.
Redknapp suggested that all six title contenders – including Manchester United in the race despite being six points adrift of the top four – have defensive frailties, but Spurs have the best defence of the title contenders when everybody is fit, as they’ve conceded just eight goals so far this season; the best record in the Premier League.
BT Sport’s Harry Redknapp
“It’s wide open this year, it’s never been so open,” said Redknapp. “There’s six teams here, and I’m including Manchester United in that, just about on the fringes of the six. Any of them could win it, but they’ve all got frailties, especially at the back.”
“There isn’t a great back four, Tottenham’s is probably the best back four when they’re all fit. Outside of that, Kompany has come off injured again, so you look at Manchester City and they don’t fill you with confidence at the back…it’s wide open,“ he added.
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