While it has hardly been goodwill to all men off the field, at least there have been glad tidings on it. A very good win against Man. City was followed in short order by victory at Ewood Park, a ground where Spurs have not enjoyed much success in recent years. And while Blackburn are admittedly a mediocre side, they had not lost at home this season since being beaten by Man. City on the opening day. As Harry Redknapp admitted, the game was not the most attractive to watch, but a second consecutive clean sheet and a berth just outside the top four will leave manager, players and fans alike enjoying the holiday spirit.

Enjoyment of spirits of a different kind was undoubtedly on Redknapp's mind when he reacted angrily to the squad's unsanctioned party in Dublin. Unsurprisingly, given the venue, the finger of suspicion fell on Robbie Keane as the ringleader, initially leading to rumors that he would be stripped of the captaincy. With Keane on the bench for the last two games, Spurs have looked a more effective side and so his bad judgment - if indeed that was the case - appeared to present his manager with a golden opportunity to remove the embarrassment of the captain wearing a sub's jersey. Or, conversely, it would lessen the pressure on Redknapp to give Keane token appearances in the starting line-up. Harry should have grasped this Christmas present with both hands, but reports seem to be suggesting that he has not. Perhaps instead he is already thinking about offloading the Irishman in the January sales.

Michael Dawson was once again given the armband on Saturday and performed well in a solid back-line, with Gomes and Bassong outstanding. Crouch also impressed, taking his second goal in particular with cool command. The team was unchanged from the one that so confidently overcame Man. City in midweek and there is a growing sense that Spurs can mount a realistic challenge for a top four spot - especially if poor performances against lesser Premier League sides like Stoke and Wolves can be eliminated. The manager was accurate in his summation of Saturday's display:

"It was not a pretty game but one Tottenham may have lost in the past. It was a great result for us. It was a tough match but we have collected three points and kept a clean sheet away from home. I have to be pleased with that."

Another tough match looms against a rampant Fulham, who themselves are bidding for a place in the upper reaches of the table. A Boxing Day derby against a team featuring the likes of Dempsey, Gera and Duff is something to look forward to. Let's hope for a Christmas cracker - but with Spurs taking away the prize.