Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is expecting the battle for Champions League places to go right to the end of the English Premier League season.

Tottenham’s 3-1 win at home to Swansea left them level on points with third-placed local rivals Arsenal and occupying the fourth and final spot on offer to English clubs.

Importantly, Sunday’s victory at White Hart Lane also saw them pull five points clear of nearest pursuers Chelsea and Newcastle with seven games left.

“It’s going to be tight,” Redknapp said. “I wouldn’t write Chelsea off, I wouldn’t write Newcastle off – they’ve done a miracle as well – and Arsenal obviously are there.

“It’s going to be interesting but that’s what football is about.”

“That’s what supporters want – they want excitement. It’s going to be a great end to the season,” added Redknapp, the favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.

Tottenham were 1-0 up at half-time thanks to Rafael van der Vaart’s early opener before Gylfi Sigurdsson, on loan from German club Hoffenheim, equalised for Swansea.

But Spurs secured a first league win in six games thanks to late headers from striker Emmanuel Adebayor, on loan from title contenders Manchester City.

Wales winger Gareth Bale proved a thorn in Swansea’s side, as he’s been to so many opposition teams this season, and Redknapp said: “He’s just an amazing talent, an amazing player.

“He’s got the ability to run all day, to beat people, to dribble, shoot, to head it... he’s a unique player, a special talent.

“Everybody today I thought was on their game. We defended well, got blocks in, the midfielders all pressed well and obviously Manny (Adebayor) getting two goals as well was great for him.”