Jamie Redknapp has said that Tottenham Hotspur would still be at the top of the Premier League table if they had not been hit by an injury crisis.
Ange Postecoglou’s men lost almost a whole team worth of players to injuries and suspensions at various points over the last month and a half, but the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Cristian Romero and Richarlison are now back in action.
While the Lilywhites are still without James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic, their starting eleven now looks a lot more formidable than it did a few weeks ago.
Spurs showed on Sunday against Newcastle just how good they can be when they bring their A-game, with the Magpies being blown out of the water.
Redknapp thinks injury-free Spurs would be top
Redknapp waxed lyrical about the side that Postecoglou is building in North London, remarking that his former side will go down fighting this season.
The pundit told Sky Sports (10/12/23 – as relayed by Football.London): “When you look at those games, four points from 18, if you had Van de Ven [and others], I think they’d be top of the league.
“Players have had to play in different positions, they’re starting to move past that now. That was a big performance, they’re only seven points off the top even after that period. He (Postecoglou) has made them one of the most watchable, which shows how quickly things can change when you get the right manager.
“They’ve had a rotten run of late, but I have so much belief in him [Ange]. What a job he’s doing so far, he’s turned this club around. It’s a joy to watch. They will lose games, but they will go down fighting.”
Despite their poor run of form since the start of November, Spurs are only seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, but Redknapp suggested that talks of a Tottenham title tilt is premature.
When asked if Postecoglou’s men can challenge for the title, he responded: “Not yet. I don’t think they’re ready for that yet. They can get back into the top four. The way they play is quite unique. It gives the other team so many different problems. It’s almost revolutionary.
“I’m loving seeing it. Everyone’s looking at that full-back role and he’s changing it. He’s made a real difference in how they play so quickly.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The Premier League this year appears to be quite unpredictable, with several top teams capable of beating each other.
We need to ensure we are in touching distance of the Champions League spots when Maddison and Van de Ven return to action.
I expect us to be a lot stronger in the second half of the season, with the players now having a better understanding of Postecoglou’s system.