Redknapp's season got off to a rip-roaring start as
goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong left the Kop
red-faced and pointless after the opening weekend of the
campaign.
Liverpool, who missed out on the title by four points
in 2008-09, threatened briefly when Steven Gerrard scored from the
spot. But they clearly missed Xabi Alonso, sold to Real Madrid for
£30million.
Redknapp said: "Last season we beat Liverpool 2-1 here
but they absolutely destroyed us. How we won that game I have no
idea. We were battered. "It was a totally different story this time
around, though, and we could easily have been two-up by half-time.
"I expected Liverpool to put us under the cosh a bit more,
especially after last year. I thought it would be another tough
game for us.
"Of course, Liverpool are going to miss Alonso. He is
quality. They had no one who could get the ball to Gerrard playing
in that hole off Torres. "Alonso is so clever, an intelligent
player who sees things early. But they have bought the Italian boy,
Aquilani, and he is supposed to be top, top class.
"It would have been hard to press Liverpool like we did
if Alonso had been in their team, as he can turn the ball around
corners with just one touch. I was worried about how Gerrard could
hurt us. But with the pressing game we played, it restricted
possession for Liverpool."
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez agreed his side were
well below par and called for an immediate improvement. He said:
"We won a lot of games last year without Alonso. We have enough
quality in the squad and have to prove this. "We have to improve in
the middle, at keeping the ball and passing the ball.
"The strikers and midfielders understand it has to be
better. As a team we were not comfortable in possession in the
first half, so it is not just about one player. Everybody has to
improve."
Tottenham won their opening league fixture at home for
the first time in eight years and the signs are there already they
will better last season's eighth place. Redknapp predicted the most
open title race for years, with mid-table sides capable of knocking
off the top six.
He added: "There is more of an edge to the league
already. I can see a lot more teams being involved.
"Look at some of the results on Saturday - Villa got
beat by Wigan and Sunderland looked useful winning at Bolton. They
have all improved, have all brought in good players. It will be a
tight division all the way down and at the top very tight.
"Everybody had been writing Arsenal off but look what
they did at Everton. That 6-1 win was amazing and could be the
result of the season. We have a decent squad. When our
centre-halves Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson come back it
will give us a strong group of players."
New recruit Bassong, bought from Newcastle for
£8million, looked comfortable at the heart of Tottenham's defence
and Redknapp reckons he has a bargain. He declared: "I like
Bassong. I think he can be an outstanding player. "He is not even
fit yet, as he has missed most of the pre-season training with
Newcastle." Tottenham could well do more business before the
transfer window closes, with Aston Villa interested in David
Bentley and Jermaine Jenas.
Redknapp said: "I'm sure my phone will be ringing this
week with one or two looking to buy players off us. If we are
offered good money for whoever and can get someone else in to
improve us, then we will have a go.
"I've read I was at Aberdeen on Saturday looking at
Celtic's Scott Brown. "In fact I was at Chelsea because they played
Hull and we play them on Wednesday. I like Brown but we have not
made an enquiry for him."
Redknapp is now looking for Spurs to maintain their
improved home form and do better on their travels. He stated:
"Tottenham beat Chelsea here last year, held Manchester United and
beat Liverpool. The only home game we lost after I took over was to
Everton.
"We now have to prove we can play away as well on a
more consistent basis. "Tottenham have to keep going and see where
it takes us."
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