Redknapp anxious to end losing run as rivals close in on Spurs
TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp admits he fears for his team’s season if they do not end their three-match losing streak and return to winning ways against Stoke tonight.
A trio of consecutive Premier League defeats to Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal have significantly weakened Spurs’ previously iron grip on a Champions League qualifying place.
Third-placed Tottenham, who just weeks ago enjoyed a 13-point lead over the Gunners, are now only one point ahead of their north London rivals, while resurgent Chelsea have closed to within four.
“We have had a run of not good results, but they have not been bad performances,” said Redknapp.
“We are not playing badly, but we need a result and want to be in form tomorrow [Wednesday].
“If we don’t win, then things are really getting a bit tight. It has closed up and you have to make sure we try to pick up three points.”
Redknapp has vowed to leave out any players who still feel mentally scarred from witnessing Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s on-field cardiac arrest during Saturday’s abandoned FA Cup quarter-final at White Hart Lane.
Striker Emmanuel Adebayor is a doubt with a hamstring problem and defender Ledley King faces a late fitness test, but fellow centre-back William Gallas could return following a calf injury.