Redknapp could have few complaints at Fratton Park this afternoon after his side battled their way to a deserved, if scrappy, victory which was inspired by the set-piece heroics of Berger.

Redknapp laid into his players following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by bitter south coast rivals Southampton, giving them both barrels for a spineless display at St Mary’s and guaranteeing them a gruelling festive period.

Before today, Pompey had secured a solitary point from five outings following a dreadful run of results which plunged them into the Barclaycard Premiership’s relegation zone.

But Berger – restored to the starting line-up after serving a one-match suspension – left Spurs reeling with two blistering strikes after the interval, the first of which thundered home from 35 yards out.

Berger’s second was considerably closer to Tottenham’s goal but no less impressive in his execution as the power of his shot – which sailed over the wall – left American stopper Kasey Keller stranded once again.

The win is Pompey’s first over Spurs in the league since 1957 and there could be few complaints from Tottenham fans who have now seen their side slip to four defeats in five matches.

They were comprehensively outplayed in the second half and could hardly muster a single shot at goal as Pompey’s midfield, lifted by Berger’s 53rd-minute opener, took full control.

On-loan Chelsea ace Alexei Smertin contested every ball while the victory was sweet for his midfield partner Tim Sherwood who, along with forward Teddy Sheringham, was playing against his former club.

Sheringham had a quiet afternoon but his fellow marksman Yakubu proved a handful all game, although his finishing left much to be desired after missing two sitters.

The first arrived in the fifth minute after a bright opening spell saw the Nigerian forward pick up Sheringham’s mis-hit shot before blazing high over the bar from close range.

Spurs youngster Johnnie Jackson tested Harald Wapenaar with a long-range shot but the Dutch keeper was equal to the task, while Yakubu nearly threaded his way through at the other end only to over-hit his flick-on.

Tottenham were seeing more of the ball but could make little headway against Pompey’s solid back four, despite the best efforts of Stephane Dalmat who was proving a real menace down the right.

But Smertin fired a well-positioned free-kick wide of the right post in the 24th minute and Sherwood then nearly found Sheringham, but the former England striker did not have the legs to meet his team-mate’s ball.

Pompey were enjoying their best spell of the first half with Arjan de Zeeuw seeing his header cleared off the line by Stephen Carr while Sheringham’s follow-up was kept out by the diving Keller.

Their attacking ambition was hampered by some dreadful passing which saw the ball given away on several occasions, letting Spurs off the hook when the visitors’ goal should have come under sustained fire.

Robbie Keane forced a fine save from Wapenaar in the 42nd minute while Smertin’s long-range effort saw Keller palm the ball away, and Sherwood then went close moments later.

Berger’s 20-yard free-kick sailed inches wide of the right post as Pompey started the second half strongly and moments later Yakubu flashed a wild header into touch.

The home side could not be denied in the 52nd minute, though, as Berger lined up another free-kick.

This one was more central but still some 35 yards out, and he smashed it home into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Keller.

Pompey were lifted by Berger’s goal and they began attacking with more purpose as Spurs were forced onto the back foot, with Yakubu slotting the ball home only for referee Steve Dunn to rule off-side.

The second arrived in the 68th minute when Berger stepped up for yet another free-kick, this time crashing a blistering drive from just outside the area into the top middle of the goal.

Sherwood was stretchered off in the 79th minute to add to Redknapp’s lengthy injury list but, with the game already won, there was still time for Pompey to create one more opening, Yakubu missing a one-on-one with Keller.