Rafael van der Vaart has conceded that Tottenham Hotspur are no longer in the Premier League title race.

Yesterday's 5-2 defeat away to rivals Arsenal has left Spurs trailing leaders Manchester City by ten points with just 12 matches remaining.

As a result, Dutch international Van der Vaart has admitted that the club are now aiming to secure Champions League football for next season.

"The title? Of course you always hope but Manchester City are winning their games so easily, especially now we have lost, so maybe the title is over," said Van der Vaart.

"Third is our main goal now and I'm really confident we can finish there.

"It won't be difficult to lift ourselves. Do we have the mental strength to put this behind us? Of course."

Tottenham's next match is against Manchester United at White Hart Lane.