Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino concedes they're in crisis after their defeat at Brighton.
Pochettino was expecting a response from his players, only for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to gift Neal Maupay a bizarre opener.
The Spurs captain suffered a freak arm injury in the process, and Aaron Connolly compounded Tottenham's problems by doubling Brighton's lead on his first Premier League start.
And although Spurs made a positive start to the second half, Connolly killed off any hope of them launching a fightback as the 19-year-old Irish striker produced a well-taken strike for his second goal to seal Brighton's first home win since March.
Pochettino said: "Hugo Lloris' injury had massive impact on the game. It was so early in the game. To concede so early and losing our captain it had an emotional impact on the team. We tried to find solutions, a different way to play but it was impossible. It's a very difficult moment.
"I want to say thank you to the fans, it was a big effort to the fans and we put out that performance. We were at the top together but now we need to get more. It is not easy."
On how to improve, he added: "After five and a half years this is the first tough time we are having. There is a feeling that this is not good at the minute. We are feeling the emotion. I want to keep working hard and believing.
"I hope the pressure is coming to me and leaves the pressure off the players. Now is a moment to be strong. We cannot underestimate the situation but we need to work. There is always the possibility to make us stronger."
