Villas-Boas praises second-half fightback

Andre Villas-Boas praised a strong second-half showing as Tottenham came from a goal down to claim all three points against QPR.

Bobby Zamora had given Mark Hughes’ charges a deserved first-half lead, but two goals in as many second-half minutes saw the game turned on its head, as an Alejandro Faurlin own goal and Jermain Defoe’s fourth goal in five games hit back.

“(It was a) good, important win for the players who put all the effort in. All credit to them,” Villas-Boas told reporters.

“We believed and the players showed great commitment. We pushed them further forward at half- time and closed the gaps. The players showed great desire and commitment today to win for the fans. All credit to them.”

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale echoed his manager’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of picking up their first win in front of their own fans this season.

“(It is a) massive win,” Bale added.

“Vital to get (our) first home win for us and the fans. We have quick players on the counter-attack. That’s the kind of team we can be.”

Meanwhile, central defender Jan Vertonghen believes that his team is growing in confidence after a week of positive results.

The summer arrival added: “(This has been a) good week. We deserved to win against Lazio, (and we) beat Reading and (QPR) today. We are feeling confident.”

Meanwhile, QPR fear right-back Jose Bosingwa could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing a hamstring tear.

Bosingwa arrived at Loftus Road on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea at the end of last season and was only making his fifth appearance for the club on Sunday, but now looks set to have his momentum halted by injury.

Indeed, speaking after the loss, QPR manager Hughes voiced his fears that the right-back could be out of action for a prolonged period.

“It is likely to be either a grade one or grade two tear and we will know after we get him scanned,” Hughes told reporters.

“He got the ball early, made a pass and immediately felt something and then had to make a run forward which didn’t help matters. We had no choice but to bring him off and we are hoping it is not as bad as we fear it is.”

Bosingwa was replaced by Kieron Dyer as QPR allowed a first-half lead slip.

Hughes’ men have made a poor start despite their extravagant summer spending and sit a lowly 19th in the Premier League standings having failed to register a win in their opening five fixtures.