Harry Winks has shrugged off criticism of Tottenham after their defeat to Wolves, saying the fact that the north Londoners have even been considered title contenders and are "fuming" at their first defeat in eight matches shows their progress, ambition and belief.
Spurs climbed above reigning champions Manchester City into second place on Boxing Day, while remaining within six points of leaders Liverpool, but they then threw away a half-time lead and suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo's side on Saturday.
Familiar criticisms and jibes quickly appeared on social media, with Mauricio Pochettino's side being accused of crumbling under pressure and being "Spursy." But Winks has little time for such comments.
"I have to be careful about this," he said. "We've had one defeat since Arsenal away [on Dec. 2]. We're doing so well. We've had some fantastic results in the Champions League and Premier League and it's important to remember how well we're doing and that we don't get carried away with a defeat.
"Listen, when people say that on social media that's their own opinion -- they're entitled to that -- but inside the club and as players we know how good we are. We know how far we can go. We have belief, regardless of the result.
"It shows just how well we're doing this year to even be considered title contenders, and to be standing here disappointed that we aren't closer to the top than we'd expect, it just shows us how far we've come and how well we're doing.
"We have high expectations ourselves and when we don't come away with a win against Wolves at home, we get frustrated at that. It just shows how high our standards are set as a club at the moment and how ambitious we are.
"We said before the game that it was must-win so to come away with a defeat, it's a down dressing room, everyone's fuming. We have to bounce back against Cardiff on Jan. 1 and hope we're still in the race."