Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp does not expect to catch Chelsea in the race for a Champions League place, saying the English champions could yet retain their domestic title.
Spurs's 1-0 victory away to Blackburn Rovers, secured by England striker Peter Crouch's third minute header at Ewood Park on Wednesday, saw Redknapp's men close to within three points of fourth placed London rivals Chelsea.
The Blues are 10 points behind leaders Manchester United but this week's January transfer deadline day saw both Fernando Torres and David Luiz arrive at Stamford Bridge.
Redknapp, who lost Luka Modric and Steven Pienaar through injury the day before the Blackburn match, said Chelsea's renewed squad strength could yet play a key role in the destiny of this season's title.
"I picked the team yesterday (Tuesday) morning and I lost two of them," Redknapp said.
"Luka had a pain in his stomach and needed an appendix operation.
"As for Pienaar... the other South African (Bongani Khumalo) thought his head was the ball and knocked him unconscious in training. We had to change it again. We were an attacking team, an open team.
"For us to finish above them (Chelsea) would be a real feat. They have spent about £70 million in the transfer market. We have just got to keep going and it would be a fantastic achievement.
{{/usCountry}}"For us to finish above them (Chelsea) would be a real feat. They have spent about £70 million in the transfer market. We have just got to keep going and it would be a fantastic achievement.
{{/usCountry}}"I would not write Chelsea off from winning the championship. Although Manchester United look as though they keep getting results, they are not playing as well as they have done in the past.
"They are red-hot favourites but Chelsea have won the championship and have Torres to come in. They could go on a run and be a big danger to everyone."