After suffering defeats to both Manchester clubs in their opening two games, Harry Redknapp's side then went on an 11-match unbeaten run, which ended at Stoke last Sunday. The London side can go back into third in the table with a game in hand if they are successful at home to Sunderland this Sunday. Ferguson said in The People: "Tottenham have been the most impressive team. They were unlucky last Sunday at Stoke but if they win their game in hand they are still in there. "And for me, Spurs have been playing the best football in the Premier League for the last eight games. "They look confident and dangerous and I have been very impressed with them. "They have played some terrific football and they must be contenders now they are out of the Europa League - that will definitely help them." United play QPR in the early game on Sunday and can go top as Manchester City - who lost at Chelsea on Monday - do not play Arsenal until later in the day. Ferguson added: "Tottenham will definitely be challenging and I also think that result Chelsea got the other night has given them a lift and also takes a wee bit of pressure off the situation, with all the rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge. "If you want to win the league, you have to make sure you don't lose as many points as your rivals round about you. "That's what the second half of the season will be about. "We have a lot of tough games ahead - we have to go to Arsenal, Chelsea and City. Chelsea did the league a turn by beating City. "It was a tough game for both teams and a draw might have been fairer, but it's always tough going to Chelsea. It was a wee bit of a bonus. "Arsenal have been gathering pace the last few weeks and it's a big game for them at City. They will be able to do themselves a turn if they win. "When you look at the start of the season you expect the four to be there - ourselves, Chelsea, City and Arsenal but now Spurs are right in there without a doubt."
