Pavlyuchenko keeps Harry smiling

LONDON // Harry Redknapp's amazing start as Tottenham manager continued as Roman Pavlyuchenko fired the winning goal to help the north London club move out of the bottom three. Redknapp has managed to completely transform the team following his arrival a month ago and has lifted any dark clouds that were hovering over White Hart Lane. Despite a blip against Fulham last week, Redknapp has now seen his team win six of his opening eight games in charge and Russian striker Pavlyuchenko has netted four goals in his last four matches.

Blackburn's misery was compounded when Martin Olsson was sent-off late in the first half for two bookable offences. Paul Ince's side have now gone eight league games with a win and must be wondering where their next victory is going to come from. Despite bringing in former Uefa Cup hero Tony Parks as Tottenham's new goalkeeping coach, Heurelho Gomes was back to old tricks after just five minutes of the game, nearly fumbling a corner straight into Christopher Samba's path and didn't look comfortable at any time. Tottenham's solitary goal came on nine minutes. Olsson was caught in possession by Aaron Lennon who weaved his way into the box.

The winger cut the ball back for Pavlyuckenko who made no mistake striking the ball past Paul Robinson. Olsson received his second yellow on 38 minutes following another reckless challenge on Lennon and in truth that was the end of the game as a contest. Spurs should have won by more but poor finishing denied them. sports@thenational.ae