Jenas - Europe here we come

Midfielder feels that the club are gaining forward momentum

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 17th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jenas - Europe here we come

Jenas: Spurs belong in Europe

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Jermaine Jenas believes that Spurs have finally put their poor start behind them and that everyone at the club is confident of still achieving a top six finish.

The 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on Saturday was Spurs' first away win in the Premier League this season, and their third win in their last five games.

Since Juande Ramos arrived at White Hart Lane he has seen his side lose only once, a run of form which is in sharp contrast to the club's start to the season, where they only managed one win in their first 12 games and were languishing in the relegation zone.

The result at Fratton Park has seen Spurs rise to twelfth, 12 points behind sixth placed Everton, and England midfielder Jenas feels that the club are starting to get back to where they belong.

Positive

"We're definitely looking up rather than down," he told the Sun.

"Most teams would be happy with a point at Fratton Park, so it just shows the positive attitude we have.

"We are a club which belongs in Europe, so we will definitely be pushing for a European slot this season.

"The manager belongs in Europe as well, especially with his record. He has won the Uefa Cup the last two years with Seville, so he won't want to let go of it now.

Momentum

"As a whole, we are more compact. There are less gaps opening up and we're a lot stronger. There's a feeling things have changed. The wheels are starting to turn.

"We're starting to gain some momentum but we've got a few more tough trips coming up. I hope I can still be saying the same things in a few weeks' time.

"It's difficult to say how the new manager is different. It's hard to put your finger on it.

"But the gaffer has his own thoughts and he needed to strengthen us, not just defensively but as a whole team. I think that's showing."

Concentration

Spurs' only other win away from home this term had come in the Uefa Cup at Hapeol Tel Aviv, and considering that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all failed to take maximum points at Portsmouth, Saturday's result is even more impressive.

Jenas added: "Winning away had become a bit of a monkey on our backs this season. But also to win back-to-back games and keep a clean sheet was very important too.

"We were getting very frustrated about our away results because we didn't feel that we were under-performing.

"It was just a lack of concentration at key times and things that were going against us were costing us big-time.

"But to come to Fratton Park, play the way we did and take the points is very pleasing.

"A lot of good sides have not come away with a win here, it's not an easy place to come. But we did it in a nice way too. The football we played was entertaining, especially in the second-half."