Spurs’ Christmas cheer gives Redknapp renewed conviction

HARRY REDKNAPP has reiterated his belief that Tottenham are title contenders after hailing the feelgood factor within the club.

Redknapp first aired such a suggestion following a 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Arsenal five weeks ago, and he did so again after the 2-1 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday in which Spurs played for over an hour with 10 men in the wake of Jermain Defoe’s dismissal.

Redknapp rightly recognises Tottenham are long shots as they stand fifth in the Barclays Premier League, seven points behind unbeaten Manchester United who have also played a game less. But after witnessing the spirit and resilience of his players in the face of adversity at Villa Park, Redknapp feels it would be foolish to write off his side.