SOCCER: Tottenham are in the midst of a poor run of form that has seen them lose five of their previous six domestic matches.

Attention turns to the Europa League tonight and a tough trip to Lazio, where Andre Villas-Boas will look for a return to winning ways after defeat in the north London derby.

The 5-2 loss at Arsenal has seen pressure on Tottenham’s manager intensify, but former Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt believes fans should support him.

“We want to be in the top four every season,” he said. “That is our ambition. In the last three years we were fourth, fifth and then fourth again, and last year we obviously missed out because of Chelsea’s result in the [Champions League] final.

“We have to be a top-four team every year if we want to compete with the best. The club is very ambitious, we believe that AVB is very ambitious.

“He has got a reputation to rebuild after what happened at Chelsea and I just think the coming together of two very ambitious parties is a good marriage.

“People have spoken about AVB but he has got to be given time. I have got huge respect for his mentors in Sir Bobby Robson and Jose Mourinho . . . I think you’ve got to give him the season and then make judgements then.”

Centre half Stephen Caulker, who missed the Arsenal game could return tonight. William Gallas is likely to be rested.