Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen believes that there is a sense of togetherness in the dressing room and a clear focus on what needs to be achieved after the heart-breaking penalty defeat to FC Basel in the Europa League.

The former Ajax defender was bitterly disappointed with the result in Switzerland but has now had time to take stock and made it clear that a top four finish was absolutely necessary.

Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen has been a huge success since joining Tottenham from Ajax. [Reuters]

Having not been in action at the weekend, Tottenham were leapfrogged by bitter rivals Arsenal who came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Norwich. It had looked as though Arsene Wenger's side would fail to take advantage of their game in hand but three goals in the final five minutes saw them move into third.

Tottenham have now slipped down to fifth and face a difficult game against Manchester City next weekend, but Vertonghen feels that the squad have become even more focused on achieving their goals after their European disappointment.

"You could see there was a team together on the pitch, we really fought for each other for 120 minutes. I hope it makes us stronger." Vertonghen told the official Tottenham website.

"We have to stay together and to go for that top four place in the Premier League. We have a rest, we clear our heads and we come back against Manchester City.

"A lot of players could be coming back, important players and we only have big games now against City, Chelsea, which are all cup finals. We're going for the highest place possible."

Tottenham had looked to be in prime position to finish in the top four just over a month ago, but a run of just one win in their last four league games has seen them fall one point behind Arsenal and sit level with Chelsea who still have one game in hand.

A win against Manchester City at White Hart Lane would provide a huge boost to the squad ahead of a tricky away game at Wigan who are still battling to avoid relegation.