‘We have had three very difficult games. Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton. Everton have just beaten Manchester City and Chelsea. They are dogged. They rode their luck. We didn’t deserve to lose as the second half was so one-sided it was ridiculous.’

For all that Tottenham have been a pleasure to watch this season, they are not hitting earlier heights and were comprehensively outpointed in the opening 45 minutes when Nikica Jelavic marked his first start since a £5million move from Glasgow Rangers with a superb goal.

Too many Tottenham players underwhelmed, while Redknapp also had to deal with the visiting supporters querying why he persisted with Gareth Bale on the right flank.

‘Gareth can play there,’ Redknapp maintained. ‘People don’t understand the game. People switch wingers now. Lots left footed wingers play on the opposite side. It happens all the time. Bale likes playing there.’

Redknapp’s demeanour was in stark contrast to Everton manager David Moyes, whose side have put together a nine-match unbeaten run. Moyes has been touted as a potential successor to Redknapp should he leave White Hart Lane but Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is adamant that he will stay at Goodison.

'Why wouldn’t people want him?’ said Kenwright. ‘But he is our manager and I do believe he is our manager because he wants to be our manager and he gets what he can and what he wants out of this club.

'I think that is important to him. He is ambitious and has had every brass farthing. But at the end of the day I have to find a new owner.'

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