And as if to rub salt into the wound, Redknapp believes former Gunners defender William Gallas could be just the man to help Tottenham do it.

Arsenal have been the dominant force in north London since 1995 but Spurs came within just five points of the Gunners last season as they gatecrashed the top four for the first time.

Redknapp believes he is now just a couple of shrewd signings away from not only overtaking Arsenal but also mounting a genuine bid to land Tottenham's first league title since 1961.

"We were behind Arsenal by miles for years and years and years but now we've got a chance to really push them and get above them. That would be great for Tottenham fans and it's possible," said Redknapp.

"If Arsenal had lost their last game of last season we would have finished above them last year. We finished fourth, our best ever finish (in the Premier League) and we have to build on that now.

"It is about time somebody else won the championship. It is not impossible. The sky is the limit and we have got to go for it.

"Tottenham will never get a better chance. We just need to improve that little bit. I still feel we need one or two top quality players to tip the balance for us.

"I think it's going to be a tight championship this year. You need players who've won things and been around the place."

Tottenham missed out on Joe Cole but Gallas is also available on a free transfer and Redknapp pinpointed the French defender as just the kind of player Spurs need to take that next step.

"I like Gallas. I think he's a great free transfer. I thought at the start of the year there were three fantastic free transfers available - David James, the England goalkeeper, Joe Cole and William Gallas," said Redknapp.

"We we did the best we could to get Joe. (Gallas) is a possibility.

"He is a player I think would be a good player, he is an experienced player. He has played at the top level, he won championships with Chelsea."

Redknapp dismissed his Arsenal connections as a problem and added: "You can go on for ever about that. He played for Chelsea as well. We put too much importance on that all the time.

"If he comes in and plays rubbish then the crowd will slaughter him. If he comes in and plays great they will love him. That is football."

Redknapp would also be interested in signing Craig Bellamy, though he suspects tomorrow's opponents Manchester City would block any attempts by Tottenham to land the Wales captain.

Spurs beat City last season a gripping race for fourth place, since when Roberto Mancini has spent going on for £100million strengthening his squad.

"I think we tried to get him but they don't want to let him go or if they don't want to let him go to Tottenham or anywhere else, that is up to them," said Redknapp.

"If he is out of their 25-man squad, it means he can't play until Christmas. It looks almost certain he will go. He has got to play football. That is ridiculous really.

"If he is not in their squad they are not going to want him around. Be honest, you wouldn't want Craig Bellamy sitting around, coming into the dressing room every day when he is not happy.

"He is an outstanding player and if he is available he would certainly be of interest to us. If you ask me, the favourites to get him would be Fulham."

Bellamy has been squeezed out at Eastlands after Mancini's remarkable summer spending spree, which convinces Redknapp that Manchester City will be champions in the not too distant future.

The depth of talent Mancini has at his disposal makes it virtually impossible for Redknapp to work out how City will line up tomorrow.

"As long as he only puts one team out we have got a chance," laughed Redknapp.

"I can see them winning the title in the next three or four years - but there is no reason we can't beat them tomorrow. They will know they are in for a tough game.

"If we could get off to a flyer it would be great for the confidence and getting our first points on the board."