London – Christian Eriksen is targeting West Bromwich Albion's visit to White Hart Lane on Sunday as the game that will deliver Tottenham Hotspur's first victory in four matches.
Mauricio Pochettino's side made an impressive start to season, winning their opening two Premier League games and both legs of the Europa League qualifier with AEL Limassol.
But a 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool last month delivered an early reality check and while they face West Brom on the back of successive away draws - at Sunderland in the Premier League and this week's scoreless stalemate at Partizan Belgrade in Europa League Ä Spurs midfielder Eriksen is anxious for the north London club to return to winning ways.
“They (West Brom) are a difficult team to play against, they work hard. We had two tough games against them last season. They made it difficult for us although we had our chances in both games,” Eriksen said.
“Hopefully this game is not the turning point for them Ä I hope it's the turning point for ourselves to get the three points again,” the Denmark international added.
“We want to have another good game and get the win.”
Spurs manager Pochettino has rotated his squad to balance the demands of domestic and European competition and he handed a debut to centre-back Federico Fazio in Belgrade.
The Argentina defender, signed for £8 million ($13 million, 10
million euros) from Sevilla, settled in quickly, drawing praise from Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who said: “He was really comfortable. His adaptation was really good in the team.”
And having made his first start alongside Jan Vertonghen, Fazio is now eyeing a place against West Brom.
“I'm very happy to have played my first match for Tottenham and I would like to play many more,” Fazio said.
“I'm pleased with the clean sheet and not to lose this match and now we're all thinking about the next match against West Brom on Sunday. I hope to play my first game at White Hart Lane. I'm here to do my best for the team.”
West Brom boss Alan Irvine admits he is already under pressure despite being just four Premier League games into the job.
Irvine is yet to win in the top flight since his controversial appointment in pre-season.
West Brom drew their opening two matches against Sunderland and Southampton before the Midlands club lost against Swansea and Everton.
Albion fans have already shown signs they are running out of patience with the Scot after booing off their team last weekend.
Irvine, who could have a fully-fit squad for the first time this weekend, said: “It's the nature of the job.
“Anyone down towards the bottom of the table is going to be in that position where they are under pressure.
“It's four games in. It can change very quickly. I see (Aston Villa manager) Paul Lambert has just been given a new contract.
“I hope everyone judges the players when they are at their best and at the levels they can reach.
“In terms of me, I would like to hope I would be given that time as it has been a difficult set of circumstances. But I understand football and how it works.” – Sapa-AFP