­"It always has an affect when your manager isn't there. Harry Redknapp always provides energy and inspires us, and we have missed him over the past couple of weeks". So said Tottenham and England midfielder Scott Parker after Spurs' goalless draw at Liverpool on Monday.

For every silver lining, there is usually a very dark holiday-bound and rain-filled cloud. And such it must now feel for a fair proportion of Tottenham fans.

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Despite manager Redknapp's palpable relief at the "not guilty" verdict at his tax evasion trial, it also propelled the Spurs boss back into the spotlight for the vacant England job – just hours before Fabio Capello had quit as national manager – and just when the north London club were looking like serious title contenders for the first time since 1985. The opportunity to manage his country is reportedly one Redknapp would not be able to turn down (the arguably masochistic old patriot).

Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure at Manchester United is the ultimate example of how consistency of manager can lead to long-term and enduring success, something Spurs fans must have hoped for when Redknapp took over the then rock-bottom team on 26th October, 2008. The club's improvement has since been remarkable, their style epitomising the optimistic charisma of their coach, in much the same way United embody Ferguson's never-say-die attitude – both attributes which win titles.

Some of which must have rubbed off on former United midfielder Darron Gibson. His 60th-minute goal for Everton – his first for the Toffees – gave his old side a helping hand, as it was enough to beat league leaders Manchester City 1-0 at Goodison Park on Tuesday 31st January, during a telling midweek programme. Missing Yaya Toure and once again leaving their bogey ground without a point, City's third defeat of the season gave United the opportunity to capitalise – and they did.

Helping Foot: Darron Gibson scores Everton's winner over Manchester City – handing an advantage to former club United (Reuters / Nigel Roddis)

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Despite being without 11 players, including Wayne Rooney, and with third-choice 'keeper Ben Amos between the sticks, United still won 2-0 at home to Stoke. A penalty in each half from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov ensured the only difference between first and second was goal difference. While Gareth Bale struck twice as Tottenham reinvigorated their title challenge with a 3-1 win at home to rock-bottom Wigan.

Meanwhile, other big-name managers were experiencing mixed fortunes. Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool triumphed 3-0 at beleaguered Wolves in their quest for a Champions League spot. Andy Carroll opened with his seventh goal in an almost invisible first year as a Red – while the visitors had to endure a lambasting from unimpressed owner Steve Morgan. However, it took a last-gasp Neil Taylor own goal to help Andre Villas-Boas' 10-man Chelsea snatch a 1-1 draw at Swansea. Seven draws so far for the Blues – a pair for every day of the week.

While on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger's Arsenal were frustrated in a goalless draw at embattled Bolton. But Martin O'Neill's galvanisation of Sunderland continued apace, going eighth with a stylish 3-0 home win over Norwich, and ending the Canaries' six-match unbeaten run. In terms of breakfasts, I'll have what O'Neill's having.

There was warm applause for West Brom manager Roy Hodgson as he returned to former club Fulham – and it proved to be a happy return all round. Late substitute Somen Tchoyi snatched the 82nd-minute equaliser as the Baggies drew 1-1. While under-fire Alex McLeish's Aston Villa came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to QPR. Though there was more deja-gloom for Blackburn. Steve Kean's men lost their third of four encounters with Newcastle in as many months, missing a penalty and going down 2-0 at home as the Magpies went fifth.

Goal Hungry: Robin van Persie keeps the match ball up his jersey after scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal's 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn (Reuters / Eddie Keogh)

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Yet for every action, there's a reaction – which Arsenal proved sevenfold on a snowy first Saturday in February. Robin van Persie bagged a hat-trick as the Gunners thumped ten-man Blackburn, 7-1, to boost their confidence, goal difference, chances of a Champions League spot – and knock the stuffing out of second-bottom Rovers. And City also beat the elements to put three past Fulham to clinch their 17th straight league win at the Etihad Stadium and remain unbeaten at home. Roberto Mancini, take a bit of a bow.

Norwich bounced back to secure a late 2-0 victory over struggling Bolton. While substitute Kevin Doyle scored the winner as Wolves came from behind to triumph 2-1 at 10-man QPR – though manager Mick McCarthy would most likely shy away from crediting his chairman's hairdryer treatment as the catalyst for his team's first victory in 12 games.

But there was no such joy for Wigan, who are now nine league games without a win after Everton's Victor Anichebe came off the bench to equalise late on in their 1-1 draw. While it was worse for Stoke as James McClean's goal made it five wins in six for Sunderland at the expense of the 10-man Potters. And a Danny Graham strike secured just a second away win for Swansea, who came back to win 2-1 and inflict a fourth straight home defeat on West Brom.

But undoubtedly the match of the weekend, on every level, was at Stamford Bridge. Yet more penalties, this time a brace of spot-kicks from Wayne Rooney, helped United come from three goals down after 50 minutes to draw 3-3 with Chelsea in a thriller which ultimately helped neither. Second-placed United now trail City by two points, despite exhibiting the kind of fighting spirit of which true champions are made. While the Blues' chance to consolidate fourth was squandered, particularly as debutant Papiss Demba Cisse struck as Newcastle beat Aston Villa 2-1 to move within a point of Chelsea

Not Cech's Mate: Javier Hernandez scores the equaliser as United come from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Chelsea (Reuters / Stefan Wermuth)

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So, could Tottenham wrap up the fixtures with a victory at Anfield on Monday that would keep up the pressure on the top two? While Harry Redknapp's sprint from court to City Airport proved fruitless due to a grounded 'plane, his Spurs side worked hard to claw out a goalless draw. Champions-League-hunting Liverpool stay seventh after their eighth home draw of the season. Tottenham remain third – seven points behind City, and seven ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Parker's words summed up the result – and might yet prove ominous. The energetic and inspiring Redknapp started Thursday 9th February with the outside chance of going to prison – and ended the day as the favourite to holding the highest managerial position in the land. As one Tottenham fan says: wait and see.

­The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.