Hugo Lloris: Tottenham should not be judged by the same standards as our Premier League rivals

Hugo Lloris insists Tottenham are closing the gap on the Premier League elite but says they should not be judged by the same standards.

Spurs came close to winning the third top flight title in their history last season and are trying to stay in the race this term, with leaders Chelsea 10 points ahead.

Tottenham face away games against Southampton and Watford over Christmas and New Year, before taking on Chelsea at White Hart Lane on January 4.

“The title is not the main expectation for Tottenham,” said Lloris. “The Premier League is very competitive and there are some clubs who have an advantage, because they are used to playing for the title every season.

“We are nearly there, the gap is reducing every year and the most important thing is that we are still alive in the table, especially for the top-four places.”

Lloris is also one of the few key members of the Tottenham squad not to have signed a contract extension this year.

Of the first-team regulars who have been at the club at least since the start of last season, only Lloris, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela have yet to agree new deals.

Lloris penned a new five-year arrangement in 2014 and is among Spurs’ highest earners.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper has many admirers both in this country and elsewhere.

He told BBC London TV news: “Let’s see what will happen. I feel proud to be part of this project, with [manager] Mauricio Pochettino, and to be captain of this team.

“I am really enjoying my time at the club and I have a great rapport with the fans. I try to do my best to help the team achieve great things.

“That is my motivation every day and my ambition for this season and for the next few.”