West Ham United captain Mark Noble has admitted that conceding a third goal early in the second half was key as his side suffered a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Goals from Harry Kane and Toby Alderweireld earned Spurs the lead at the break, before Kane struck again five minutes into the second half to put the hosts further ahead.

Kyle Walker wrapped up the win before Manuel Lanzini added a consolation late on, and Noble believes that a poor start to the second half was crucial.

"Goals at home can lift the crowd and when Harry Kane scored it made life that much harder for us," the Hammers skipper told the club's website. "The third goal really killed us and it was sloppy play from us.

"But we need to put this behind us and look forward to West Brom which is another game on television and put things right."

West Ham are now three points behind Spurs in sixth.