Toby Alderweireld explains why Tottenham can turn shock cup defeat against West Ham into a positive

Alderweireld said Spurs can learn from defeat and reset momentum

Toby Alderweireld says Tottenham's defeat to West Ham can be a good thing (Getty)

Toby Alderweireld has revealed how Tottenham can use the “reality check” of losing to West Ham to make themselves better.

The Spurs defender says they should learn from the shock defeat and turn their focus to Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

Tottenham were two goals up against their London rivals after 37 minutes but a second half capitulation allowed West Ham to come back and score three goals without reply to steal the win.

Jordan Ayew scored two in the second half as West Hame went to win 3-2. Getty

"We were not flying or anything in our heads, but I think it's a good reality check,” Alderweireld said. “You still need to work very hard, even if you're 2-0 up, to get results.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side are top of their Champions League group, third in the league and have only just tasted defeat for the second time this season, but Alderweireld says that losing to West Ham can reset that momentum.

"You have to keep the level up because if you drop it a little bit you see what happens. It's a good thing to learn.”

"Of course we'd love to have won, but we don't have to be too dramatic about it,” said Alderweireld who is now keen to move on. “Next time we have to do better, and we focus on Saturday."

Tottenham will battle for second place against United on Sunday and the club are confident Harry Kane can return to action. He was rested against West Ham after going off clutching his hamstring against Liverpool.

After visiting Old Trafford, Spurs face Real Madrid in their next Champions League group stage match on Wednesday.