Redknapp counts the wins

02 April 2012 06:17

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp praised his team following their 3-1 Barclays Premier League win over Swansea, before claiming five more victories would secure Champions League football for the north London Club.

Two second-half headers from on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor secured Spurs' first win in five in the Premier League and moved Redknapp's side level on points with third-place Arsenal. After the match, the 65-year-old targeted five more wins in their remaining games to earn a Champions League berth next season.

"I would take five (wins) now. If we get five we will have Champions League football next year I'm sure of that. It is hard to call where the results are going to come and who against and that is what makes it interesting," Redknapp said.

"We would love to get third - I would love to finish above Arsenal if I can. If we get Champions League football we will all be delighted again. That is the key really, that is what we want - Champions League football next year at Tottenham."

Spurs have been praised for their attacking prowess under Redknapp but the former West Ham boss was delighted his players stuck to the gameplan which had been prepared ahead of Swansea's visit.

"We did exactly what I asked us to do," he said. "We pressed them all over the park and it is hard work - If you are going to stop Swansea playing it is hard work. It was the other side of the game that you don't always associate with Tottenham perhaps.

Swansea started the game brightly before falling behind to a fantastic effort from Rafael van der Vaart in the 19th minute. However, the visitors could have collected a point after Gylfi Sigurdsson fired them level just before the hour-mark.

Swans boss Brendan Rodgers has been quick to say he is happy at the Liberty Stadium and refused to treat the match as a chance to impress the Spurs hierarchy. He explained: "I was only pleased we came here and played. We have supporters who are loyal and passionate about their club and spend a fortune travelling to follow us all over the country.

"For us to perform it was for our own needs to gain points and also for them (the fans). It was certainly no audition for me."

Swansea could not hold on to the draw but Rodgers was delighted with the efforts of his side. He said: "I thought some of our football today against a top side was outstanding and for large parts of the game we dominated it and obviously we had chances in the game as well."

Source: PA