Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists his side should already be ahead of Arsenal this season in the race to finish in the Champions League places.

Spurs have dropped points at home to Stoke, Wolves and Hull this season and missed a golden chance to win at Everton, then the draw against Aston Villa at the weekend allowed Liverpool to creep back into the Barclays Premier League top four.

With third-placed Arsenal travelling to Anfield on Wednesday night, victory for Spurs at Wolves could make the race even tighter.

Redknapp said: "Of course Liverpool can finish third. But if they beat Arsenal and we beat Wolves then we can finish third. Arsenal are suddenly right back in the pack.

"And in all honesty we've thrown a lot of good leads away and we really should be above Arsenal now."

Reaching the Champions League would realise Redknapp's dream of coaching in the top club competition in Europe.

"It would be lovely to manage in the Champions League," he said. "Just to get Tottenham there would be lovely. It is something I would love to do.

"From where we were last season to a Champions League position would be great.

"It would be a good achievement and we have a chance. At the start of the season we would have taken where we are now - still in the cup and pushing for a Champions League place.

"We couldn't have asked for more than that at the start of the year but we have thrown some points away.

"Everyone can do it but we really have. Stoke in the last minute, Hull, Wolves at home, 2-0 up at Everton with 10 minutes to go, Birmingham away, a couple of points here and there. If Arsenal get beaten then it opens it up if we win or Manchester City win or Villa.

"Then all of a sudden you look at it and the top two have gone and we're all fighting for two positions between five teams."

Redknapp's explanation of dropping points against weaker teams is frank - his side came up against goalkeepers in great form or needed better finishing.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, in contrast, has been accused by Michael Ballack of making excuses after defeats.

Redknapp said: "I see it as I see it and tell it how I tell it. If we play badly I'll say so and if we deserve to win or don't deserve to win I'll say so.

"I feel we've been playing terrific football and deserved to win those games but haven't got the breaks - but you have to make your own luck sometimes."