Tottenham showed characteristics of champions at Crystal Palace, says Jamie Redknapp
Thursday 27 April 2017 00:28, UK
Jamie Redknapp thought Tottenham performed like champions in their win over Crystal Palace but admitted Chelsea remain in pole position.
Christian Eriksen's late stunner for Tottenham kept their title hopes alive in a 1-0 win over Palace, which was the perfect response to Chelsea's victory over Southampton on Tuesday night.
The victory cut the gap back to four points with five games remaining in what is shaping up to be an epic battle for the Premier League title.
Spurs were far from their free-flowing best at Selhurst Park but ground out the three points with a performance full of defensive steel and clinical finishing from Eriksen going forward.
"It was what you'd probably call a performance of champions, although it looks like it'll probably go against them," said Redknapp.
"They've got to hang in there. All the questions before the game - can they handle the pressure after they slipped up last year; they showed they've got that mentality this year.
"It was a big result. You felt they might feel a bit sorry for themselves but they showed good character.
"Pochettino made good changes at half-time, got some pace on the pitch, with Son and Sissoko. Although they weren't at their best, they did enough; they defended well because this is a graveyard for teams.
"I thought they were exceptional in terms of mentality and strength - everything you want from a team trying to win the title."
The title race now rolls onto Super Sunday, where Chelsea visit Everton before Tottenham host Arsenal in a mouth-watering north London derby, with both games are live on Sky Sports.
Redknapp added: "It sets up the derby perfectly. Chelsea have struggled at Everton, Spurs have just got to keep believing. This was so big for their confidence."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Niall Quinn thinks this weekend will turn the pressure cooker back onto Chelsea, who travel to Goodison Park knowing Everton have won their last eight games at home.
"Spurs must be thinking, 'We're rocking, bring on the north London derby' - Chelsea have got a tough game against Everton and Spurs will enjoy that," Quinn said.
"Spurs knew it would be a slog but it's a great performance and a really big result for them."
