Redknapp hails Heurelho Gomes performance
2010-03-08 10:45:44
Tottenham Manager Harry Redknapp
Tottenham Manager
Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp hailed Heurelho Gomes after the Tottenham keeper prevented Fulham from snatching victory in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final.

Gomes pulled off good saves from Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff, Brede Hangeland and Zoltan Gera in a goalless draw at Craven Cottage that came alive in the second half.

Redknapp almost sold the Brazilian following a string of blunders that reached a nadir with an own goal at Craven Cottage in November 2008.

"Gomes looks different to the goalkeeper who came here in 2008 when I first arrived," said Redknapp.

"He had a terrible time here then but he's a different lad now, full of confidence, who looks what he is - a top keeper.

"He had a bad day here in 2008 but it didn't affect him."

Spurs played some eye-catching football but with little end result and Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was only really troubled twice.

The Cottagers went on the rampage in a lively second half but could not produce the goal their superiority deserved and now face a replay at White Hart Lane on March 24.

"We kept possession well, though we didn't create enough chances," said Redknapp.

"Of course we'll be the happier side. Before we came here we would have taken the draw. This is a difficult place to come.

"Fulham are a difficult team to beat - they just knocked holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League. That tells you all you need to know about them.

"They're well managed and coached and are not easy to play against.

"A replay gives us a good chance at home and we're still bang in there.

"At home we've got a big chance but I bet Shakhtar thought they were favourites for the second leg of that Europa League tie.

"It didn't work out that way, though. Fulham's win was one of the results of the season."









































































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