Spurs ready for defining period

Hugo Lloris says the visit of West Ham United to White Hart Lane on Sunday marks a crucial stage in Tottenham Hotspur's bid to claim a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino's side head into the latest round of matches in sixth spot, three points behind fourth-placed Southampton, after undoing their good work in beating Arsenal by slumping to a narrow defeat at Liverpool.
With so many sides still in the mix for the top four, consistency will be key to Spurs' hopes of clinching a place in next season's Champions League.
And while Lloris insists Pochettino's team are in good form, the French goalkeeper knows they must claim three points against West Ham if they are to revive their challenge after the disappointment of losing to Mario Balotelli's late winner at Anfield.
"We were a bit frustrated after the Liverpool match because I think we deserved a minimum of one point, but that's football and we lost it. But we want to bounce back and get three points against West Ham," Lloris said.
Lloris believes Spurs improved form is down to Pochettino's growing influence following the manager's arrival from Southampton during the close season.
"We are in good form and in a good way and we are now at the most important period of the season and every point will be decisive for the league," Lloris said.
"It's never easy when you start the first season at a new club but I think that the manager is doing really well and trying to get the best performance."
- Gruelling run -
Thursday's 1-1 home draw with Fiorentina in the Europa League last 32 first leg means Pochettino's side have a testing trip to Italy for the return next Thursday, three days ahead of the League Cup final against Chelsea.
Those fixtures are part of a gruelling run that will help define the club's season and Pochettino said: "It's a critical period as we have a lot of finals.
"Sunday (against West Ham) is a final, Thursday is a final, next Sunday is the Cup final."
Lloris believes Spurs improved form is down to Pochettino's growing influence following the manager's arrival from Southampton during the close season.
"We are in good form and in a good way and we are now at the most important period of the season and every point will be decisive for the league," Lloris said.
"It's never easy when you start the first season at a new club but I think that the manager is doing really well and trying to get the best performance."
- Gruelling run -
Thursday's 1-1 home draw with Fiorentina in the Europa League last 32 first leg means Pochettino's side have a testing trip to Italy for the return next Thursday, three days ahead of the League Cup final against Chelsea.
Those fixtures are part of a gruelling run that will help define the club's season and Pochettino said: "It's a critical period as we have a lot of finals.
"Sunday (against West Ham) is a final, Thursday is a final, next Sunday is the Cup final."
Source: AFP