• Premier League

Dempsey sure of Tottenham top-four finish

ESPN staff
April 25, 2013
Clint Dempsey netted the equaliser against Manchester City on Sunday © Getty Images
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Tottenham midfielder Clint Dempsey believes his side are back on track to secure a top-four finish after their victory against Manchester City last Sunday.

The bubble appeared to have burst on Tottenham's bid to secure qualification for next season's Champions League after a series of setbacks in recent weeks, but the US international suggests the feel-good factor has returned ahead of their trip to Wigan this weekend.

"The [City] result gives us a lift and hopefully we'll now get on a good run of form," Dempsey told the official Tottenham website. "We've had a bit of a rough patch and hopefully this will give us the lift we need to finish strong."

Dempsey conceded confidence was waning in the Tottenham ranks as their poor run looked set to be extended when City took a first half lead at White Hart Lane, yet he hopes the comeback inspired by his equalising goal confirms they are not giving up on their top-four dream.

"We were under pressure at half-time at 1-0 down in a game where we really needed to get points," added Dempsey. "We knew a goal would raise our spirits. It was a great ball in from Gareth [Bale] and I tried to stay on the shoulder of the defender and I timed it right.

"That goal gave us a lift and the next two goals were fantastic. That third from Gareth was the icing in the cake. We knew once that goal went in we had it wrapped up.

"It was a great spell to play in. Quick goals, three different players scored and that gives confidence to the team. Hopefully the result will give us that push for the final five matches of the season as we try to get into the top-four."

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