Source: PA
Redknapp backing for misfiring Defoe
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp defended Jermain Defoe's poor performance in the 0-0 draw with West Ham, revealing that the striker had been affected by the death of one of his grandparents on Friday night.
Defoe went into Saturday's game with 99 Spurs goals to his name, but he failed to reach the century mark on this occasion after missing a host of good opportunities in a frustrating draw that means Spurs are now two points behind Chelsea in the race for fourth.
Redknapp leapt to the defence of the man he has entrusted to deliver him goals on so many occasions throughout his managerial career, admitting that his grandparent's death affected his performance.
"Jermain was up half the night due to a family bereavement," Redknapp said.
"I wasn't sure whether to play him but he wanted to.
"He had some good chances today, the little fella, and he normally scores them but it was just one of those days. It wasn't through a lack of effort."
