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 Redknapp hails superb Portsmouth |
Harry Redknapp believes his Portsmouth FC side are producing some of the best football seen in over half a century at the south-coast club.
Heady time
SIn the semi-finals of the FA Cup following a surprise victory against Manchester United FC at Old Trafford and on course for their best Premier League finish, the club is enjoying its most promising spell since back-to-back league titles in 1949 and 1950. They leapfrogged Aston Villa FC into sixth with a 2-0 win on Saturday, and with Everton FC failing to pick up a point against Fulham FC yesterday, Pompey now trail David Moyes' side by six points in the race for European qualification via the league. But should Pompey fail to achieve that, playing in the UEFA Cup next season by virtue of a first FA Cup triumph since 1939 remains a real possibility with the club the only top-flight side left in the competition.
'Superb'
"The fans should really enjoy it," said Redknapp, 61, whose side finished ninth last term. "It's probably the best football they've seen in over 50 years. We've only lost two games at home all season. We've played Manchester United, Arsenal [FC], Chelsea [FC] and Liverpool [FC] and none of them have beaten us. We've got good players and good spirit. It's been absolutely superb this year – we've given the fans something to be proud of."
In-form Defoe
That success has been aided by the signing of England forward Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur FC. Since the 25-year-old's arrival at Fratton Park in January, Defoe has become a regular in the lineup and scored six goals in as many league games, including the opener in the 2-0 defeat of Villa on Saturday. "Villa are a good side, fighting for what we're fighting for [European football], so it's great to get the three points," said Defoe. "It's been a great week and we're buzzing. Everyone's working hard, and when you work hard, you get rewarded. It's amazing at the moment, I just want to keep it going, to keep scoring."
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