Winning return pleases Redknapp

Published Nov. 21, 2011 7:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Spurs triumphed 2-0, Emmanuel Adebayor scoring both goals, as they celebrated Redknapp's return to the fold following a minor heart procedure. And the manager told Sky Sports 1: "I enjoyed the way we played tonight, I think the fans enjoyed it as well - they've seen lots of great teams over the years and they're enjoying the way this team's playing. "It's great to be back tonight - I wouldn't want to watch it at home again, that was nerve-wracking." While Adebayor made the decisive contributions, playmaker Luka Modric and defender Younes Kaboul's performances also caught the eye in a dominant Spurs display. "Luka was fantastic, him and Scott Parker have been outstanding together," Redknapp continued. "I love Luka, I love the way he plays his football and he's an absolutely top-class fella. "I thought defensively we were very strong as well, Kaboul was looking the player I thought he could be tonight." Parker paid tribute to his returning manager, and said: "The manager has been absolutely superb, he's done wonders and it's a great lift to see him and pleasing to have him back. "His guidance for us is key and I think that was evident tonight." Frustrated Villa boss Alex McLeish told Sky Sports 1: "We started well, both halves, we went right at Spurs and had a couple of chances. "But we didn't retain the ball well enough, we didn't pass it well enough and the goals we lost were calamitous - we've got to defend better than that. "We did have one or two opportunities - Gabby (Agbonlahor) had a wee chance in the second half and Parker made a great tackle. "But they were different class, they've got great players, their speed, their athleticism - with that 11 they can be a match for anyone."