Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou admits he was disappointed to only draw at London rivals West Ham on Tuesday.
The Australian has challenged his players by insisting ‘we have to maintain our levels’ ahead of their push for Champions League qualification.
Spurs took the lead in just the fifth minute at the London Stadium when Timo Werner pulled the ball back for Brennan Johnson to tap in from close range.
Tottenham were dominant but West Ham equalised against the run of play when Kurt Zouma headed home from a Jarrod Bowen corner.
Tottenham news: Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw against West Ham
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Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half on an incredibly wet night in east London.
Tottenham had to settle for a draw to leave them two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with eight matches remaining.
Postecoglou says his team coped with West Ham’s physicality but says they must keep it up for every remaining match.
He told the BBC: “Yeah it was [tough physically] and it’s what you expect when you come here.
“They are a strong team and they sit compact so you have to be patient.
“I thought we handled it OK. Disappointed not to get a better outcome but a tough game.
“There’s a lot of games to go still. I will be very surprised if all games aren’t tight. Everyone is fighting for something. We have to maintain our levels.
“We are working with all the guys all the time to try to get a better understanding. I thought in the front third, some of our decision-making and clarity of thought let us down a little bit.”
Postecoglou was particularly impressed with Yves Bissouma, who had a top game in midfield.
He added: “I thought he was outstanding. Yves did the defensive work which was always going to be important today.
“The general effort from the lads was strong. It’s a tough place to come.”
West Ham remain seventh in the table after Newcastle were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Everton.
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Zouma hopes the Hammers can take confidence from the performance into their remaining matches.
He told TNT Sports: “Yeah it was an intense game today. Both teams wanted to win.
“We finished with a draw but we gave so much energy in the game. We had to react from the weekend and I think we did well.
“The opposition are playing well but the reaction was the thing we have to take from the game. I always say to the boys we are family and that is in ups and downs.
Tottenham news: West Ham remain seventh after Newcastle were held by Everton
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“The reaction was spot on. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win but it was good for the confidence.
“It was a good game tactically overall. Hopefully, we can build on that and get a good result this weekend.
“The run-in is always exciting. We still have a lot to play for and hopefully we finish in a good position.”
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