Spurs will go into Saturday's clash against Birmingham with the aim of maintaining a solid defence right to the death.

The defeat to Chelsea on Saturday was the sixth time the club have conceded goals beyond the 89th minute a record that could define their season.

William Gallas's spectacular 25-yard effort curled past Paul Robinson to give Chelsea a thinly deserved 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Though the shot was unstoppable, head coach Martin Jol knows it is not the first time his side have leaked late goals.

Sunderland and West Ham have rescued draws, while Fulham scored a late winner.

Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson could not explain why the defence had gone missing in the latter stages of games.

Speaking on the club's web site, he said: "It still hurts and I can't describe the way the boys felt after the game. I felt like crying all the time. We were all back out on the training pitch on Monday and were still bitterly disappointed.

"The lads thought we'd done enough to get something out of the game and it hurts to go and play as well as we did and come away with nothing.

"But we have to look forward to the Birmingham game now."

Saturday's match will not be easy, with the Blues struggling for Premiership survival.

Manager Steve Bruce knows defeat at St Andrews would be unthinkable, with near-neighbours West Brom three points ahead with a game in hand.

The Chelsea defeat leaves bitter rivals Arsenal just two points behind Spurs in fifth place after Arsene Wenger's side impressively dispatched Liverpool at Highbury on Sunday.

But Jol is optimistic of securing fourth place, which would give his side a place in the Champions League next season. He said: "We are still on 49 points and we're still in with a chance. Birmingham are next for us and they are fighting for their lives.

"But we are also fighting for our lives and we will do everything in our capabilities to get the points."