Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham still in race for Premier League title, says Harry Redknapp
Talking the talk: Redknapp[LNB]Harry Redknapp thinks Tottenham can challenge for the Premier League title - if they end a 17-year hoodoo by winning at Arsenal on Saturday. [LNB]Tottenham have not beaten Arsenal away since 1993 but Redknapp thinks the title race is so open that his team will have to be considered challengers if they triumph at the Emirates. [LNB]'You have to win these games if you are looking to win the title, and I think the Premier League is wide open this year,' said Redknapp. [LNB]'If we could have a run, pick up some big wins and get ourselves in there it's not impossible that we could win it. Of course not. [LNB]'We finished a couple of points behind Arsenal last year. In the end there was nothing in it really, at the death it got very close. So if we can pick up a couple of wins there's no reason we can't make a challenge this year.' [LNB]Tottenham sit seventh in the table, seven points and five places behind Arsenal and nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea. [LNB]But with Chelsea losing twice in three games, Arsenal suffering home defeats to West Brom and Newcastle, and Manchester United drawing too many games, Redknapp feels his Spurs side have a good chance of making an unexpected challenge. [LNB]'It has never been so open and anyone who puts a run together out of the top group has a real chance.[LNB] Back on track: Defoe is expected to play some part at The Emirates on Saturday [LNB] 'No-one is walking away with it, and everyone is getting beat in games you don't expect them to get beat in. 'No-one is on a different level and anyone who can get a settled team and put a run together is in with a real chance.' [LNB]One reason Redknapp might be feeling so optimistic is the return of Jermain Defoe from an ankle injury. The England striker's energy and predatory instinct in front of goal have been sorely missed by Tottenham in certain games this season, despite some encouraging performances from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch.[LNB] Defoe's eye for goal might have helped avoid the disappointing defeats by Wigan and West Ham and the home draws with Everton and Sunderland. Defoe tore ankle ligaments playing for England against Switzerland two months ago but is expected to play some part today. [LNB]'Jermain trained all week and he's in the squad,' added Redknapp. 'It is good to have the little fella back. Others have done well in his absence. Pavlyuchenko and Crouch have been outstanding but Jermain is different to everyone else - he is sharp and a great finisher. He would have made a difference in the games we dropped points in because he would have had six or seven goals by now.' [LNB]Also returning is Aaron Lennon after three games out with a hamstring injury. Lennon will be key in a big week for Tottenham - on Wednesday they host Werder Bremen in the Champions League and a win would guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages. 'It's a big week,'[LNB] Redknapp said. 'That group is wide open. We need to put it to bed in midweek, then we go to Birmingham and play Liverpool. 'But there is no bigger game than Arsenal.' [LNB] Arsenal v Tottenham: Spurs legend David Ginola gives his verdict on the derby I won't shake hands! Nasri 'will snub' old foe Gallas as defender returns to the EmiratesI'm not a Van man! Arsene Wenger prefers top Gunner Nasri to Spurs playmaker [LNB] Explore more:People: Roman Pavlyuchenko, Peter Crouch, Harry Redknapp, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe Places: Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Switzerland
