For the first time since the Premiership began, Spurs enter the top four. Peter Crouch heads a cross from Younes Kaboul past Fulop in the 82nd minute. The match seemed headed for a draw as both Gomes and Fulop came up with some spectacular saves and there were a number of near misses.
But there was no doubt that Spurs were the better side playing more attractive and attacking football. City seemed bogged down by a lack of midfield creativity as Tevez drifted deeper and deeper frustrated by the lack of service. City’s chances came from a few long range highlight shots by Adam Johnson.
Fulop was the much busier of the two goalkeepers through the match and especially in the second half.
The upright came in the way of a Crouch header and then Ledley King’s goal was turned down as the defender was adjudged to have fouled Gareth Barry. Gareth Bale came close as did Defoe. Benoit Assou Ekotto’s scything cross just skipped past Defoe and Crouch. The tall gangling England striker was again denied by Fulop some minutes later. But Fulop’s gallant goalkeeping was finally breached by Crouch.
Capello must have been encouraged by the performance of Michael Dawson and Ledley King and Redknapp made a very strong plug for both of them to be included in the England squad.
One note of worry for the England manager is Gareth Barry. The Man City midfielder recovering from a hamstring injury had been pronounced fit before the match. But he picked up an ankle injury and was replaced by Patrick Vieira. With just five weeks to go before the World Cup, the time to recuperate is fast running out.
Redknapp and Spurs deserve full marks for their magnificent response after their FA semi-final doldrums against Pompey. After that loss, they had an extremely tough stretch against the top clubs but they came away with wins against Arsenal and Chelsea which put them back on track. A fine managerial performance by Redknapp as any and if he does get the manager of the year, Carlo Ancelotti and Roy Hodgson would not begrudge him.
Here is Redknapp on the win >>