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Tottenham’s showing against Manchester United I am glad to say was much better than the debacle at the Emirates the week before, but a 3-1 defeat leaves Harry Redknapp’s men looking over their shoulders. With only four points separating Spurs and Arsenal, a more solid defensive showing in the remainder of the campaign is needed to secure third place.

Spurs fans will have been encouraged by the effort and performance put in by their team against the Premier League champions, especially in the first half. A disallowed goal and poor luck resulted in the side not taking an advantage into the interval, but the attitude was positive by the White Hart Lane outfit.

However, all three goals that United scored were disappointing to see; Ledley King and his back four will take no pride in watching them back this week. The first was just a case of poor marking from a corner, with Wayne Rooney allowed a free header six yards out, centre of the goal. Unforgiveable, and Harry Redknapp will have been incensed.

The second was a lack of concentration and organisation at a throw in, with Luka Modric and Kyle Walker guilty of not tracking their runners. The third, although a fantastic strike from Ashley Young, was disappointing due to the amount of space the United forward was given to run into, with no challenges put in to stop his shot.

With eight goals conceded in two games, and trips to Goodison Park and Stamford Bridge in the next fortnight, Spurs must tighten up at the back. Scott Parker will be unavailable to shield the backline in both of these fixtures due to suspension, but Jake Livermore and Sandro did an excellent job of breaking up play on Sunday; it is down to the back four to be more organised and concentrate for 90 minutes.

Although Younes Kaboul has improved this season for sure, bringing Michael Dawson back into the heart of the defence to partner King may well be a measure Redknapp can take to solidify things. Dawson may not have the physical side of the game that Kaboul prides himself on, but the England international is an excellent reader of the game and a great communicator.

Hopefully the Champions League for Arsenal and the loss of a manager for Chelsea will hold Tottenham’s rivals back, but Redknapp needs a good week in training to solidify his backline before taking on Everton this weekend.

By Gareth McKnight

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