Harry Redknapp has said he will stand by blundering Brazilian
Heurelho Gomes, despite the goalkeeper having contributed to the
manager’s first defeat as Tottenham manager by gifting Fulham their
first goal with another howler.
Fulham beat Spurs 2-1 at Craven Cottage, sending their London
rivals back into the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.
Fulham's win lifted them up to ninth, but they were helped on their
way by Gomes.
He let a cross from Simon Davies slip through his fingers and
into the net.
Gomes stood no chance when Andrew Johnson netted Fulham’s
second, and although substitute Fraizer Campbell scored a late
consolation for Spurs, the damage had been done.
It was Tottenham's first defeat in seven games since Redknapp
took over, but the ex-Portsmouth manager insisted he would be
sticking with Gomes.
"It was a disappointing day," admitted Redknapp. "We started in
second gear and suddenly looked like we were getting into the game
until we gifted them a goal.
"It was a farcical goal, but he's my goalkeeper. He's got to do
the job. This is the situation I have.
"I have Gomes and another goalkeeper, a Spanish lad who is 37,
and then you have kids.
"Gomes is the first-team goalkeeper. His record at PSV Eindhoven
tells you he was a world-class goalkeeper. He made some great saves
after the goal, so I have got to keep believing in him and stay
with him.
"The goalkeeping coach has got to work with him. I always think
goalkeepers and their coaches have a special relationship and he's
got to get into his head this week.
"Fulham started sharper than we did and deserved the win. Their
front two of Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson were excellent. They
gave us problems.
"I brought Aaron Lennon on to try and give us some width but
things didn't happen for us today. We also look vulnerable from
corners at the moment which is a problem."
