Alan Curbishley hopes West Ham will "bounce back" when they take on London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.The Hammers are reeling from successive 4-0 hammerings, with the heavy defeat at Liverpool in midweek coming on the back of a trouncing by Chelsea in front of their own fans.

Manager Curbishley revealed there was a team meeting following events at Anfield - reporting the discussions were frank but positive as the players reflected on another disappointing performance.

"We've had two tough games and did not perform. But there is always a chance we can bounce back in the next game - that's what we have to be looking to do," insisted the Hammers boss.

"This is the run in - can we push on and get as many points and finish as high as we can? That is still our aim."

Spurs have seen their fortunes improve dramatically under Juande Ramos, the Spaniard guiding them to victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final at Wembley to secure European football again next season.

Even though they struggled under Martin Jol at the start of the campaign, Curbishley believes Spurs always had the strength in depth to climb the Premier League table.

"I don't think they were going to be at the bottom of the league all season," he said.

"We all realised Spurs have a strong squad, and it was always going to turn around.

"Ramos has done well, and there are never any complaints when a manager of his credentials comes in. He has just got on with it - and great credit to him."

Despite their own recent dip of form, winning just twice since the start of the year, 10th-placed West Ham are not yet out of the race for a top-six finish - and with it the possibility of a European qualification.

Curbishley added: "If there is criticism about then we have to take that and change it.

"It's up to us to turn it around, so that the fans don't criticise.

"The only way we can do that is performances.

"However, there are a lot of the fans who are realistic. They have seen the problems we have had. But that still doesn't stop fans wanting more - and we want more."

Midfielder Mark Noble admits West Ham need to "put in a performance" at White Hart Lane.

He said: "We have to pick ourselves up and get ourselves together.

"We have not been good enough - so we have to get on with it and put a performance in against Spurs on Sunday."

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