Tottenham and their fiercest rivals Arsenal are locked in a battle for the fourth Champions League spot but Martin Jol's men are in pole position – just. Arsenal's weekend win over Charlton heaped the pressure on Spurs who needed to go to Birmingham and pick up three points, a feat which they duly accomplished. Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane were on target with Keane's goal being expertly created by Jermaine Jenas. The young midfielder had an influential game in front of the watching Sven-Goran Eriksson and will be optimistic of boarding the plane to Germany this summer if he can maintain his rich vein of form. However, as Jenas told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, he is firmly focused on securing fourth spot for Tottenham Hotspur at present.
Q:WERE YOU AWARE OF OTHER RESULTS BEFORE GOING INTO THIS GAME WITH BIRMINGHAM?
A:We were aware of some of the other results earlier in the day and that's why it made it even more important to come here and show what we are made of. The pressure was on with Arsenal winning but the lads put in a great performance. It was a working performance. Birmingham are down there fighting and we knew it wasn't going to be easy.
Q:THERE HAS BEEN A CRITICISM IN THE PAST OF TOTTENHAM THAT THEY LOSE GAMES THEY SHOULD WIN ON THE ROAD - ARE THINGS CHANGING?
A:There is enough strength of character in the squad to hold off Arsenal. The mentality and character of the squad is brilliant. Everyone is really positive. We know how important these games are coming to the end of the season and we all want that Champions League spot. These late kick-offs on a Saturday aren't easy, but the lads gave a good account of themselves. We've got the likes of Ledley King and Michael Dawson at the back who are very strong and difficult to break down. Stephen Kelly also came in at full back and was very strong.
Q:DOES THE PRESENCE OF SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON PLAY ON THE PLAYERS' MINDS?
A:Nobody really knows, as we aren't usually aware of when he comes. But it is good it has happened when the lads have put in a performance like that. All the English players in the team are going to want to go to the World Cup in the summer so there is that extra edge. English players in the league at the moment are trying to up their game to get into that squad.
Q:WHAT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN THE RUN-IN?
A:The closer it gets, the more pressurised the games will become and the teams that deal with the pressure better will progress. We have enough experience in our ranks even though we have got a very young team. We have also got the likes of Edgar Davids and Ledley King, to help us along.
Q:WHAT ABOUT THE THREAT FROM YOUR GREAT RIVALS?
A:Arsenal are going to be there or thereabouts at the end. They are a top-drawer side and we don't expect any favours from them at all. We have just got to be concentrating on ourselves and make sure we turn in performances like that. We knew the situation today. A lot of the lads were aware of the results and situation. It is the same next week because we are not playing until Monday but we have just got to keep turning out results.
Q:HOW DID YOU ENJOY PLAYING IN CENTRAL MIDIFELD AS OPPOSED TO A WIDE ROLE?
A:I enjoy it. It gives me that freedom to get forward and try and create goals for the forwards and try and nick a few myself. I felt fit and there were spaces to exploit and if I see for them, I go for them.
Q:THE PERFORMANCE OF AARON LENNON WAS EYE-CATCHING AND HE FINALLY SCORED HIS FIRST GOAL FOR THE CLUB?
A:I've been on to him. I said on the way here 'you need to get a goal'. He does so much for us going forward that it is nice for him to get the rewards for himself sometimes. It was a tidy finish. Jermain Defoe is worthy of a mention as well. The fight he showed to get Aaron his goal probably typified his performance today. It was brilliant.
