Andre Villas-Boas: 'Aston Villa win perfect response'

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has described their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa as the "right response" to the loss that they suffered in their last Premier League outing.

Prior to the international break, Spurs fell to a surprising 3-0 defeat at home to London rivals West Ham United, but the Portuguese coach believes that they replied with "a great performance".

He reserved special praise for winger Andros Townsend, who scored their opening goal at Villa Park on the back of his exploits for England last week.

"It was a great performance," Villas-Boas told reporters. "We improved with time because the beginning was difficult, as we had lots of longs balls to deal with.

"The opening goal was important to bring confidence and we really played well in the second half. We deserved to go 2-0 up. It was the right response after the defeat by West Ham and it is good to see us near the top.

"Andros Townsend had a great game. He didn't start well but really picked up after his goal. He is a great threat. His pace and ability to beat a man, he takes the team forward."

Roberto Soldado was the other Spurs goalscorer in the Midlands - his first Premier League goal from open play since arriving at White Hart Lane in a £26m deal from Valencia.