HARRY Redknapp hailed Tottenham’s ‘perfect’ first-half display against Werder Bremen on Tuesday night despite his side throwing away a 2-0 lead in their Champions League opener.

An own goal from Petri Pasanen and a Peter Crouch header had Spurs seemingly on their way to victory in their opening game of Group A, but goals either side of half-time from Hugo Almeida and Marko Marin salvaged an unlikely draw for the German side.

With group favourites Inter Milan also held 2-2 by FC Twente, who Spurs face at the Lane on September 29, Redknapp’s side blew the chance to steal an early march on their opponents, but the boss refused to criticise his players.

“I thought we were fantastic in the first half,” said Redknapp. “We came out, completely controlled the game and for 43 minutes we passed the ball unbelievably.

“It could have been more than 2-0 and if we were three or four goals up it would have been a fair reflection of the play.

“But we gave them a goal and that gave them a lifeline. That changed the game.

“They would have gone in [at half-time] on the floor and their manager would have steamed into them but they got a goal and that gave them a massive boost.

“I can’t be angry, I’m frustrated. We came here for an away game in a difficult place and I couldn’t be more delighted with the way we played.

“That first half was as good as you shall see from us. Barcelona might do better but that was as good as Tottenham can play.”

Redknapp was also left sweating on the fitness of new signing Rafael van der Vaart, who was removed as a precaution after picking up a calf injury.

“We got him off before he actually got a tear,” added the manager, who will be hoping to have the midfielder back in time for Saturday’s home clash with Wolves.