Redknapp looking forward for the big games

(GSM) – Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp did not complain after his side suffered a 3-1 defeat against Sunderland and called the encounter an “exciting game’. The Black Cats were awarded three penalties by referee Lee Mason, but Redknapp had no complaints.

Former Spurs player Darren Bent took all three spot-kicks, but converted just one with Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes keeping his side in the game two times. The English striker scored two goals from his side’s total three to give his side a good win.

Redknapp had sold Bent to Sunderland for £10million last summer. The manager said that he has never seen three penalties in a single game.

“It was an exciting game,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“Both teams slugged it out, they had a real go. Three penalties they got in one game – I’ve never seen that before.

“I haven’t seen the replays of them but it’ll be interesting to watch and there were chances galore at both ends.”

“At 2-1 we were back in the game but then they had an amazing finish from Zenden – one of the all-time great volleys,” added Redknapp.

“We’ve got to pick ourselves up and get going again next week.”

“We had a couple of chances in the first half and couldn’t stick one away so we had to go for it because at half-time we were 2-0 down,” he said.

“So, I played with two up front and pushed Eidur (Gudjohnsen) in behind and played with two attacking midfield players and two full-backs who I told to just bomb on at every opportunity.

“We were always going to be open (after that) to getting caught on the counter-attack, but that was a chance we had to take – when you’re 2-0 down you have to go for it.”

The defeat is a blow to Tottenham’s chances of finishing fourth in the Premier League table, but Redknapp remains hopeful of a Champions League spot.

He said, “We’ve got a tough run-in but if we can get one or two back to full fitness then we’ve got some great games to look forward to.”