Redknapp: I have to stick with Gomes

Harry Redknapp pledged to stick with calamity goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes after suffering his first defeat as Tottenham manager.

Spurs slipped back into the bottom three in the Premier League while Fulham’s 2-1 win lifted them to ninth.

Gomes, who has blundered a number of times already this season, gifted Fulham their first-half opener when he allowed a cross from Simon Davies to slip through his fingers.

A clinical finish from Andrew Johnson in the 69th minute put the home side in command before substitute Fraizer Campbell scored a late consolation for Spurs.

The defeat was Tottenham’s first in seven games since Redknapp took charge, but the former Portsmouth manager was adamant he would be sticking with Gomes.

“It was a disappointing day,” Redknapp said. “We started in second gear and suddenly looked like we were getting into the game until we gifted them a goal.

“It was a farcical goal, but he’s my goalkeeper. He’s got to do the job. This is the situation I have.

“I have Gomes and another goalkeeper, a Spanish lad who is 37, and then you have kids.

“Gomes is the first-team goalkeeper. His record at PSV Eindhoven tells you he was a world-class goalkeeper. He made some great saves after the goal, so I have got to keep believing in him and stay with him.

“The goalkeeping coach has got to work with him. I always think goalkeepers and their coaches have a special relationship and he’s got to get into his head this week.

“Fulham started sharper than we did and deserved the win. Their front two of Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson were excellent. They gave us problems.

“I brought Aaron Lennon on to try and give us some width but things didn’t happen for us today. We also look vulnerable from corners at the moment which is a problem.”

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson’s satisfaction at the victory was tainted by a verbal spat with Tottenham assistant coach Joe Jordan.

The pair were deep in conversation as they left the pitch at the end of the game and Hodgson revealed Jordan had accused him of kicking the ball away to prevent Spurs taking a quick throw.

“Joe accused me of kicking the ball away which I did not do,” said Hodgson.

“I saw it as our throw and passed the ball to Paul Konchesky but Joe said I kicked the ball away and stopped them taking a throw.

“He refuses to believe my story. It is a storm in a tea cup but it distresses me a little bit because that is not something I do.

“I have never done that in my career. I was a bit saddened that Joe accused me of it.”

Hodgson had no complaints about the performance of his side, adding: “I really did think we played well.

“It was unfortunate for their goalkeeper that he made such a bad, glaring error for the first goal.

“But over the 90 minutes, the way we played and the amount of pressure we put on the Spurs defence, I don’t think we’ve got any reason to do other than pat ourselves on the back and to claim the victory was a well deserved one.

“I thought we started well, our passing was good and we were asking the questions of Tottenham and defending in the way I wanted us to.

“I thought the two front players, and in particular Bobby Zamora, had outstanding performances. I hope he gets the credit he deserves from it.

“It was one of our better performances and something which I hope we are going to keep up.”