Redknapp commends Villa show

Pompey boss pleased with 'fantastic' result

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 15th March 2008

Redknapp Harry

Redknapp: Impressed by Villa

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp concedes his side faced a tough game against Aston Villa despite beating them 2-0 at Fratton Park.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring after 11 minutes before an error from Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson led to an unlucky Nigel Reo-Coker own goal shortly before half time.

Defoe's goal, a well timed chip over Carson, received particular praise from Redknapp who admits his side faced a strong Villa team.

"It was a fantastic result for us," said Redknapp. "We've been in great form recently and to round it off with a result like that against Villa was great.

Fantastic finish

"It was a fantastic finish from him (Defoe) after a great ball forward by Glen (Johnson). Jermain's got on it and finished it well for a terrific goal.

"It was a superb start and we were fortunate with the second goal. But Villa are strong and they keep coming back and are dangerous on set plays."

Fabio Capello was watching the game from the stands and Redknapp insists David James' performance will have impressed the England manager.

"He's the best around. The England manager was here today I'm sure he would have been impressed by him, Johnson and Jermain," he added.

"It's up to the manager to pick the team but they're all doing well and in great form for us now.

"But Villa are a good side and there's not much between each of the teams. Martin has done a fantastic job with them but we're a good team as well."

Unfortunate

Midfielder Sulley Muntari was sent off with ten minutes to go after a series of persistent fouls and Pompey will also be without Papa Bouba Diop next time out through suspension.

"Sulley obviously likes red but it was a bit harsh," Redknapp added. "The second one was a tug of the shirt and was a bit unfortunate really.

"We'll be a little light against Tottenham next time but we've got good players to come in for us.

"If we can keep picking up results, we'll just take it as it comes. I don't look any further than next week, I'll try to pick a team to go to Tottenham and play well."