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Arsenal 'proved point' says Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted Arsenal looked the better side even at 2-0 down © Getty Images

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted that Arsenal's 'dominance' when trailing his side in the north London derby was what led to an emphatic 5-2 victory for Arsene Wenger's side at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Spurs took a 2-0 lead thanks to a Louis Saha strike and an Emmanuel Adebayor penalty at their rivals' ground before a rapid response through Bacary Sagna and Robin van Persie just before half time sent the sides in level at the interval. A Tomas Rosicky effort and a brace from Theo Walcott then put the seal on a remarkable reversal for the Gunners.

"Even at 2-0 I couldn't say that I felt over comfortable, I was just looking at getting to half time at 2-0. I felt that they were creating chances and we looked a little bit open really," was Redknapp's honest appraisal when talking to Sky Sports at full time.

"What let us down in the second half is that we didn't really defend well enough all over the pitch. You can't do that. They're a good side and I knew it would be a tough game today, but certainly at 2-0 it wasn't a game that you could see slipping away like it did."

Redknapp admitted that Wenger's side played like 'they had a point to prove' after a torrid recent run of results.

"We never really got hold of the ball, and they played well," continued the Spurs boss. "They pressed us, they worked us, they closed us down all over the pitch and made it very difficult for us today, and you have to give credit to them, they came out like they had a point to prove and they did that. Having said that you can't really throw two-goal leads away, you've got to make sure you get to half time, stay solid, and then see the game out, really, but we didn't do that. They were dominating even when they were two down, they were having the chances."

Next up for Redknapp's side is a visit to White Hart Lane from second-placed Manchester United, who now hold an eight-point advantage over Spurs in third.

"We can't dwell on it this week because no-one's in," said Redknapp, referring to the midweek international programme. "We've got 12 players going away now until next Friday, so we'll just pick them up when they come in, ready to play Manchester United, which is not a game you need picking up for. They don't come any tougher than Manchester United at home, so it'll be a great game to look forward to. Today though was a disappointing day."

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