Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp. REUTERS REUTERS

Harry Redknapp believes his Tottenham side have to be considered title contenders, following their impressive start to the season.

Spurs lost their first two games against Manchester United and Manchester City but have been in irresistible form ever since, dropping just two points in the subsequent ten games.

Tottenham still trail leaders City by seven points but sit just two behind second-placed United with a game in hand.

And Redknapp has said Tottenham have a realistic chance to claim the Premier League crown, although he predicts a fierce challenge from at least six other clubs.

"We certainly look a very decent team," Redknapp told Sky Sports News ahead of Wednesday's Europa League game against PAOK Salonika.

"I'm not sitting here saying we will win the championship. It's a very tall order and we're one of the outsiders of the six to do that, but it's not impossible.

"You saw Liverpool v Man City on Sunday, there was nothing between the two teams and in fact Liverpool edged it. There is nothing between those six or seven teams at the top and anyone who can keep that run going, and have that belief, could do it.

"It is a very open top group and I think we are very much on a par. There is not much between us."

Meanwhile, Tottenham defender William Gallas has backed his manager's claims, saying he can see similarities between the current Spurs side and the title-winning Chelsea teams he played for under Jose Mourinho.

Gallas, who has been restricted to just one appearance in the Europa League this season because of injury, said Tottenham should not fear anyone as they enter a busy festive period.

"We have the look of the champion," he is quoted in The Times. "I have won trophies and I know what it feels like to win and it is quite possible to do something here too. Against West Brom and Fulham we have not played as well.

"It was the same when I was at Chelsea when sometimes we did not deserve to win a game, but with luck we won 1-0 or maybe 2-1, and it is a little bit like that with Tottenham.

"You play for success, you play to life yourselves, so now we have to believe in ourselves, work hard to try and catch City. It is very wonderful to see how we play and we can win every game.

"But we should not forget that City are on top and Arsenal are back. It is very important to show again what we can do this season."