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Jermaine Jenas eyes Europe despite Manchester United mauling
Ian Whittell27 Apr 2009
Jermaine Jenas is refusing to give up on a European place despite Tottenham's second-half collapse against Manchester United.
Spurs squandered a 2-0 half-time lead over the champions, who scored five goals in 22 second-half minutes, starting with an appalling penalty decision when referee Howard Webb ruled that Huerelho Gomes had tripped former Spurs star Michael Carrick when replays showed the keeper reached the ball first.
Jenas believes Spurs showed enough ability in the first half to be confident of a stirring finish to the season. The midfielder said: "Seventh spot is definitely still there. We didn't get taken to the cleaners, we didn't play bad. It was just a crazy 25-minute spell which has cost us the game. Some of our stuff was fantastic against the best team in Europe. We can take that into our next game."
On the penalty decision which swung the game in United's favour, Jenas added: "I don't really criticise referees, and I don't want to go too far, but I think that was a prime example of a referee crumbling over pressure at Old Trafford. The atmosphere, the occasion, the importance of the match, a lot of factors take their toll when making decisions. One thing which struck me about it was that he didn't even think. It was like he'd already made his mind up when he came out for the second half that he was going to give something."
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was upset by the decision but claimed it was no excuse for the way in which his team surrendered. He is less optimistic than Jenas of claiming seventh spot and a Europa League place, but believes the club should set their sights on the Champions League next season.
Redknapp said: "I'd like to think that we will be pushing the top four, with Aston Villa and Everton, next year. It's about time somebody broke into it. We just need one or two players in to improve us and if I get those in, then we will be strong next year."
After Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty, the Portuguese winger added a second. Wayne Rooney then scored two before former Spurs forward Dimitar Berbatov rounded off the rout.
United's Ryan Giggs was last night crowned player of the year by the players' Union, the PFA.
Reader views (8)
Where exactly was Jenas when the other 4 goals went in? Like most of the other Spurs players jenas was in hiding. Spurs were still a goal up after the penalty, but a bit like Arry, they had the ref to blame. The ref didn't give United 4 goals, they were all down to Arrys men not being up to it.
- James Hennessy, london england, 27/04/2009 16:59
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Rogan - the ref was near enough to see. This was a game changing decision and he ought to be able to get them right. No quibbles qbout the result.
- Coys Switz, switzerland, 27/04/2009 16:51
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This is nothing to do with being a Man U supporter, which I admit to, but has anyone even considered the thought that from where the ref was standing the decision might have been based upon what he THOUGHT he saw rather than what multiple different perspectives, including the highly advantageous TV views mighht have been able to see? The ref IS there to make such decisions. Did the linesman offer counter-viewpoint?
Why MUST it be that the ref was somehow lacking or incompetent if he sees from only his perspective and reacts to what he sees in the assumed appropriate manner. That's what the man is there for! It is no good claiming that he SHOULD have seen something from where he was, just because others who are NOT seeing the incident FROM THAT SAME POSITION think he should.
Please, whether it is in favour of my team or others, try applying a little of reality when you criticize. Make it sound like partisan griping and that's all that will be seen by anyone reading it.
- Rogan, Irving, 27/04/2009 16:10
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I can not believe that i am saying this,But Rob i have to agree with you.
- Jamie, Essex, 27/04/2009 12:52
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Even though the penalty was pathetic call,it was the turning point,and gave the impetus to Utd,as up till then we were in control,and when they got the 1 it was on the cards especially with Uyd playing with four top players at the top end of the field..that was tough enough for any defence,but then after that goal it showed we are where we are cos we are not quite good enough against the very very top sides.
The first half displays of Modric and Lennon were superb and who knows what could have been but for that well dubious penalty,i dont think that would have been given the other end..lets concentrate on the prem next year
- Evs, ricks, 27/04/2009 12:34
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The penalty was a very bad decision but we can't argue with the other 4.
Two of them very very sloppy tap in's but you can't deny Rooneys cross to Ronaldo was pure class and I wont begrudge them that one.
I think I agree with Rob Hotspurs (First time for everything) and think we'd be better forgetting about Europe next year and concentrate being much stronger in the league.
The first half against united was the way we need to play and we need to start doing that every week instead of one game in 5.
- Mark, St Albans, 27/04/2009 11:38
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I am not all certain that a european campaign next season will do us any good at all. We struggled with this seasons campaign, especially with Ledley King only able to play once a week & if his second half dispaly against Man United was anything to go by, he will be struggling to obtain the necessary fitness to play at the highest level. I think we should concentrate on the premiership next season.
- Rob Hotspurs, South London, 27/04/2009 10:14
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The penalty was a turning point, but Spurs' second half display showed up our shortcomings. We can't continue to pin our defensive hopes on whether Ledley's knee is up to it or not. We need to replace him, and soon.
- David, London, 27/04/2009 09:56
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