Redknapp happy as Crouch hits back

10 April 2011 08:00

Harry Redknapp was delighted for Peter Crouch after he bounced back from his midweek sending off against Real Madrid by scoring two goals in Tottenham's 3-2 victory over Stoke.

The 30-year-old's name was greeted with a mixed reception as it was read out on the public address system before the game, but he soon won the home fans over by opening the scoring with a well-placed header after 10 minutes. He bagged his second by beating Asmir Begovic with another headed goal just after the half-hour

"It was the response I wanted and expected after Real Madrid," said Redknapp. "I was pleased for Crouchie. I wasn't sure whether to play and him and I wasn't sure what reaction he would get from the crowd."

The Spurs boss added: "Sometimes they can turn on you when they think you're to blame for something but they were great with him and they made a great atmosphere. He was okay. He wasn't nervous going into the game."

Spurs' bid for a top-four position has faltered recently due to a poor run of form that had seen them slip behind Manchester City and Chelsea after a run of four league games without a win.

They were guilty of basic errors for the goals they conceded but looked back to their fluent best in the first half, with Gareth Bale and third goalscorer Luka Modric in particular terrorising the Potters defence.

Redknapp admits his team will have to be much more disciplined against Madrid on Wednesday if they are to have any chance of overturning the four-goal deficit they accrued this week, but was happy to see his players pick up their first win since February.

"I thought we were a pleasure to watch. It was a privilege to be a part of it and watch it from the sidelines," Redknapp said. "I was worried at the end when they had some pressure. They are dangerous from set pieces and they were winning free-kicks. You have to defend for your life."

Stoke belied their poor away record to produce a threatening display that was capped off by two brilliant goals. Matthew Etherington ran 50 yards and beat two defenders to score the Potters' first, before Kenwyne Jones produced a stunning strike that went in off the bar to make it 3-2 towards the end of the first half.

"We had a poor start but their strikers caused us all sorts of problems," said Potters boss Tony Pulis. "In the second half we pushed and created a lot of problems for them and in the end they were pleased to hear the whistle I think."

Source: PA