As the club recorded its best start to a league campaign since Bill Nicholson's double winning side of 1960-61, and the media debated whether Redknapp's side could break into the top four or, ridiculously, mount a title challenge, the 'fors' argued that the current Spurs side has arguably as much strength in depth, if not more, than any other in the top flight of British football.
In the aftermath of the deserved opening victory against Liverpool, journalists pointed out that, at his disposal, Redknapp had a bench of internationals, including David Bentley, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch. In contrast the only established player Benitez could hope of introducing to get his side back in the game was the under used Youssi Benayoun. It was a strong argument and one that lent credence to the hope that Redknapp could be building a side capable of genuine achievement.
In all but a two positions, Redknapp had at his disposal at least two recognised, Premiership quality players. Few clubs can boast the the same. The gaps – at left-back and left-midfield – were noticeable but not terminal; Giovani Dos Santos showed signs of being a more than acceptable alternative to Modric, if needed, and Gareth Bale, despite his horrendous record of no league victories since his move to the club, has plenty of time to become the full-back he promised to be.
One of the players introduced against Liverpool was Jamie O'Hara, who has replaced Modric twice this season, as the Croat tired and Jamie's tenacity was needed. Both times the change was the right one to make. O'Hara is a fighter, a terrier; the perfect introduction when marginal leads need to be maintained. Yet focusing on his work-rate does him a disservice. He's also a technically proficient midfielder, with probably the best left foot in the side.
With all this in mind, loaning him out to Portsmouth, albeit until January, makes very little sense, especially given his move comes on the day that he signed a contract extension to keep him at White Hart Lane. Not only did Jamie provide competition in the middle of the park but he was a genuine alternative to Modric when the going gets tough. Instead we're left without that option, and we have not even made any money out of the deal.
Granted O'Hara is one player and the strength in depth available to Redknapp has not severely deminished. It is not, however, too much of a stretch to imagine the departures of David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas before the transfer window slams shut. As maligned as those players are, without them we would look light on both wings and through the middle.
One can only imagine that Redknapp has other options lined up if these deals come to fruition; indeed speculation has linked Harry with a bid for former midfielder Sulley Muntari, currently at Inter, who, coincidentally, can also operate in a central or left-midfield berth. Elsewhere, several forums suggest a bid for injury prone yet talented Martin Petrov, who very nearly joined the club under Martin Jol.
Either way, Redknapp's decision to temporarily depart with O'Hara has left a gap which needs to be filled. Whether it is or not, the deal makes little sense. Jamie is unlikely to come back a significantly improved player, and he never came across as the type to be agitating for a move to gain more first team football.
Kevin Prince-Boateng is probably just as confused, having gone from Jamie's understudy at White Hart Lane to below him in the pecking order at Fratton Park.