We must not slip up against Arsenal after Benfica blow - Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen

 
REUTERS
Giuseppe Muro14 March 2014

Jan Vertonghen admits Sunday’s north London derby has taken on added significance for Tottenham following their Europa League defeat to Benfica.

Spurs were beaten 3-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie last night and their season now hangs on whether they can qualify for the Champions League.

Tottenham are four points off fourth place and Vertonghen knows defeat against Arsenal at White Hart Lane would be a serious blow to their hopes of making it into Europe’s elite club cup competition.

“Every game gets bigger and bigger if we keep losing,” said Vertonghen. “The north London derby is a massive game at the moment. We both need a win on Sunday so one team will be very disappointed.

“There is no reason not to be motivated but we have to play better and we all want to do that. Sometimes we look good but other days we are not good enough.”

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Tottenham will need to overturn the two-goal deficit in Benfica next week if they are to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

On a disappointing night at White Hart Lane, Rodrigo and two goals from Luisao put Benfica in complete control of the tie.

Christian Eriksen, whose second-half free-kick gave Spurs some hope ahead of the return leg, said: “We have the players for it so of course we will try and go through but we know it will be very difficult.

“I have only been here for a few months but I know what the north London derby means to both teams and I am really looking forward to it.

“It will give everyone a huge boost so hopefully we will be way better than last night.”

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