Sigurdsson expects positive response

Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson insists his side’s penalty shootout Europa League defeat against Basel will spur them on.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side have not been in action since surprisingly crashing out of Europe in Switzerland, allowing North London rivals Arsenal to climb above them and into fourth place in the English Premier League.

Sigurdsson is expecting his team-mates to react positively to their disappointment by bouncing back against Manchester City at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

“It’s a tough game against City but we’ll be aiming for the three points,” he told the club’s website. “The lads are up for it.

“We’re determined to get back to winning ways after Basel, especially losing on penalties. We were so close to the semi-finals and it’s the worst way to go out. We want to put things right.

“We’ll train hard this week and be ready for City.”

Roberto Mancini’s men will travel to the capital in fine spirits after some encouraging recent results, and Sigurdsson is expecting a difficult game.

The Icelandic international is confident his side can get the better of the champions, having already demonstrated their appetite for the big occasion this season.

“They are in good form, won the Manchester derby, beat Chelsea in the FA Cup and they have world-class players,” Sigurdsson said. “That’s the reason they won the title last season.

“Sunday will be difficult and everyone knows that. We’ve played well against the top teams, took four points off United, beat Arsenal at the Lane and we have to try to do the same against City.

“We have to keep fighting and try to get into that top four.”