Villas-Boas hails second-half showing

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas was pleased with his side’s improvement during their 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Despite taking the lead through Andros Townsend after 31 minutes, Tottenham were frustrated by a determined Villa defence for periods during the first period.

However, Roberto Soldado eventually doubled the visitors’ lead after the break and Villas-Boas noted the improvement his side made in the second half.

“We struggled early on but got our act together,” he told Sky Sports.

“It was difficult in the first minutes because Villa kept putting long balls in behind us. But we got hold of the ball and started creating.

“The second half was really good and after 2-0, we could have gone on to score more.”

Townsend’s goal was his first in the Premier League for the club, while close-season signing Soldado scored his first from open play in the English top flight.

And Villas-Boas was pleased with both players’ showings after Tottenham’s 3-0 defeat against West Ham last time out.

“Andros is always a threat and he finished very strongly. He started not too well but improved during the game,” the Portuguese continued.

“Soldado made the most of the opportunities he had. After a setback at home we have to respond and I think we did it in a good fashion. We are in touch with the top and it’s a result we deserve.”