Spurs managed to secure a famous Champions League victory over reigning champions Inter Milan at White Hart Lane last night and boss Harry Redknapp was quick to praise the performance of one of his players in particular – Gareth Bale (Spurs 5/6 to win Champions League Group A).
Two weeks ago the north London club suffered a 4-3 defeat at the San Siro, after Inter had raced into a 4-0 first-half lead.
A second-half hat-trick from Bale did nothing for Spurs other than claw back a bit of pride but the talented left-footer was crucial for Spurs on Tuesday night as they avenged their defeat in Italy (Spurs 25/1 to win the Champions League).
Bale did not find the net himself at White Hart Lane, but the youngster turned provider for both Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko, as Spurs enjoyed a European night to savour.
Redknapp hailed Bale as “amazing” and claimed the 21-year-old has “everything”.
“Maicon is rated as the best right-back in the world and what he’s done to him in the two games is amazing,” explained the Spurs boss.
“He can cross, his left foot is great on the run, he can shoot, dribble, head it, he’s got everything.”
Spurs may be enjoying life in Europe’s top competition, but if the north London side want to compete in the Champions League next season they will need to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Spurs are currently fifth in the league, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, and remain in contention to finish in the top four for a second successive season.
Chelsea are currently 1/200 with totesport.com to finish in the top four and after the reigning champions’ fine start to the season – they’re already 10 points clear of Spurs – few would suggest the Stamford Bridge side could fail to land a Champions League spot.
The form of Manchester United has been questioned by many but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League.
United’s star man Wayne Rooney has failed to hit the heights he achieved last season and is currently injured, but the Old Trafford side have still managed to grind out results and you get the feeling that when they do find top form, and when Rooney is firing on all cylinders, they will mount a serious title threat.
United are 1/14 to finish in the top four and, although not completely out of the question, it seems safe to suggest Old Trafford will be hosting Champions League football next season.
Arsenal and Manchester City complete the top four at present (Arsenal 1/7, City 2/5 to secure a top-four finish) and given the Gunners’ Champions League pedigree and current form, a top-four finish appears to be on the cards for the Emirates side.
The most likely scenario is that Spurs will again battle with City for the right to appear in Europe’s premier tournament next season.
The London club won the battle last time out but City, once again, spent some serious money in the summer transfer window.
Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini is under pressure to deliver a top-four finish, at the very least, and Spurs will face a serious battle to secure the final Champions League spot.
However, with the talented midfield Redknapp has at his disposal, at 5/2 Spurs appear good value to land a Premier League top-four finish.
Rafael van der Vaart arrived in a last-minute deal from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day and the Dutchman has managed to adapt quickly to life in England.
Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon have also produced impressive displays but it could well b Bale who provides the ingenuity and guile to secure a second successive season in the Champions League for Spurs.
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