Harry Redknapp felt that Spurs were hit by a "sucker punch" from Stoke on Saturday, and it is true that the visitors capitalized on one of very few meaningful attempts on goal. The fact remains, however, that this is the kind of fixture from which Spurs must take maximum points if they have aspirations to challenge for a place in the top four. The late Glenn Whelan strike gave Stoke their first away win of the season and, especially outwith the Britannia Stadium, they are little more than a workmanlike side.

Perhaps, though, hard work is enough when facing a midfield that features Tom Huddlestone and the player who eventually replaced him, Jermaine Jenas. While Huddlestone lacks pace and mobility, Jenas lacks aggression and commitment. The level of commitment shown by Aaron Lennon must also be called into question, as the winger apparently decided that he could not continue the game, thus reducing Spurs to ten men with 15 minutes still to go and the score deadlocked. Lennon might have looked to the example of Jonathan Woodgate, who was forced to leave the field during the first quarter-hour of the match with an actual injury, following a typically brave clearance to deny Stoke a goal.

Astonishingly, the manager admitted after the game that in regard to Lennon's walk-off,

"I was hoping he could stay on but he couldn't and suddenly we were down to 10 men. We're not sure what the problem is. He just said he couldn't carry on and that was that ... I don't want to say any more, I don't want to cause an issue. "

Harry should have plenty to say both about and to a player who apparently lacks the heart to stay on the field and support his teammates, even if only as a passenger. It's hard to imagine Tony Pulis adopting the same kind of "kid gloves" stance if it had been one of the Stoke players who had taken a knock and then headed for the dressing room.

Lennon is, of course, one of the first names on the team sheet each week and so maybe this means that he is beyond criticism. The same obviously holds true for Robbie Keane, who was given yet another start and, one shot on goal aside, contributed nothing. Keane needs a period on the bench or perhaps even to be moved on. If he does not go in January, then surely Roman Pavyluchenko will, since Guus Hiddink has already indicated that appearing for Russia in the World Cup finals is dependent on playing first team football. Keane's own international manager was looking on at White Hart Lane: Trapattoni will not be relishing a play-off against France if he is depending on the Spurs captain to lead and inspire the Ireland team.

Yet, despite another lacklustre performance, Keane will no doubt start against Arsenal on Saturday, especially since Defoe will still be serving his three-match suspension. Spurs are now in fourth place. Whether they are still in the top four come the beginning of November is starting to look very doubtful.