King and Crouch delighted with victory

King and Crouch delighted with victory

Published May. 5, 2010 4:11 p.m. ET

Crouch sealed fourth place in the Premier League for Spurs with an 82nd-minute header at Eastlands. "The supporters have been waiting for this for a long time, as the players have," captain and man of the match King told Sky Sports 2. "We've worked hard all season for this and you can see how much it meant today." King played down the Champions League place as Tottenham, even if they overhaul north London rivals Arsenal and finish third, will have to go through qualifying to reach the group stages of Europe's elite competition. "At the moment we're in fourth place. We still have to qualify for the Champions League," added King, who plays on despite a chronic knee injury. "But that's why I still work hard to get on the pitch, because of moments like this." King added: "It's been a topsy-turvy campaign this season, but I think we've shown the most consistency." Spurs meet Burnley this weekend with a chance of climbing above the Gunners "It's possible, they have to lose and we still have to beat Burnley," said King. Crouch believed Tottenham were capable of breaking into a top four dominated by Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent seasons. "I knew we had a fantastic squad and were capable of anything," said Crouch. "But the top four have been the top four for so many years because they've been the most consistent. "For a club like us to break into the top four is a fantastic achievement. It's probably one of the best nights I've been part of." Crouch played down his role after scoring the goal which secured the win. "Throughout the course of the season the boys have been fantastic, the whole squad and we managed to get fourth but we still have to qualify," he added. "I was in the right place at the right time. The keeper made a good save and I was in the right place just to nod it home. "On the balance of play we deserved to win tonight."

ADVERTISEMENT
share