Kaboul happy to win ugly in pursuit of Champions League
TOTTENHAM defender Younes Kaboul believes his side’s new found ability to grind out results could prove the difference in their quest to return Champions League football to White Hart Lane next season.
A 1-0 win over West Brom on Tuesday night saw Spurs take their festive haul to seven points from three games, despite failing to exhibit the free flowing football which has characterised their rise to third place in the Premier League.
Though the goals have started to dry up, Tottenham have remained resolute in defence and Kaboul feels their ability to win ugly will ensure Spurs cement a place in the top four.
“Last year we lost or drew these kind of games, which is why we finished fifth at the end of the season,” Kaboul said. “I suppose we are a massive team in England now. We’re playing against high-quality teams who come here, drop back and just defend. Against West Brom it wasn’t the best game but you have to win those matches. That’s the only way we will achieve something.”
Spurs take a break from league action this weekend and host Cheltenham in the third round of the FA Cup. Manager Harry Redknapp confirmed England centre-half Michael Dawson will make his comeback having missed the last five months with an Achilles injury.
Fringe players Niko Kranjcar, Steven Pienaar and Roman Pavlyuchenko are also expected to start against the League Two side.