Spurs must push on and quickly

A 12 game unbeaten run comes to a swift end after Tottenham Hotspur succumb to defeat at the hands of Liverpool. It wasn't the prettiest way to see three points turn to zero – mistakes from Kyle Walker and Jermain Defoe hardly playing their part in the loss – but it was an unbeaten run that was inevitably going to come to an end.

Granted, Spurs could well have netted a third midway through the second half when Gylfi Sigurdsson struck the post, but nonsensical individual errors are what cost Andre Villas-Boas' side maximum points at Anfield on Sunday.

However, Spurs must not dwell on the defeat for too long. Yes, it wasn't ideal to lose under such circumstances – Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Hugo Lloris also culpable in the 3-2 defeat – but now is the time that the mental toughness is put through its paces.

With Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday and then Fulham on Sunday, it's absolutely crucial that the club pick up victories and string together another run of results between now and May.

Following the Fulham encounter on Sunday, Spurs face Swansea City, Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea in quick succession, a run of encounters that could make or break their top four chances.

This is where Villas-Boas and his coaching staff are likely to earn their monthly pay cheque and now is the time for them to earn it. Get the players back on the training pitch, instil confidence throughout the squad once again and secure a place in the quarter finals of the Europa League, before a return to winning ways over the Cottagers next weekend.  

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