Lewis Holtby has said that Tottenham Hotspur have to secure a win in their game against Stoke City this weekend.

The team have slipped to eighth in the Premier League table after taking just one win in their last three matches.

The midfielder told the club's official website: "We have to win this game against Stoke because it's vital we stay up near the top with the European places.

"It was a very disappointing result at home against West Brom.

"Everyone wanted the win, we needed the win but in the Christmas period there's no time for feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to be up for it, we have to be mentally right."

The two sides meet at White Hart Lane on Sunday.