Villas-Boas hails ´deserved´ Spurs win

Tottenham manager Andres Villas-Boas believes that his side deserved their 2-0 UEFA Europa League win over Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday.

First-half goals from Jermain Defoe, who moved to within one of the club’s European scoring record, and Nacer Chadli ensured that Tottenham maintained their 100 per cent record in the competition and are still yet to concede in Europe this season.

Villas-Boas felt his side coped well with what the Russian outfit had to throw at them and is confident that the victory sets them up well to qualify from Group K.

“In the second half we lost control of possession a little, however, defensively we were sound and managed to take a deserved win,” he said.

“The conditions were difficult but we had a great first half, where we created a lot, kept the ball well and deserved the lead.

“Anzhi looked threatening on the counter, waiting for the opportunity to surprise us, so we had to be aware.

“A win is what we wanted and it gives us the opportunity in the next games against Sheriff to ensure qualification.”

Lewis Holtby was involved in both goals, assisting Defoe for his 24th goal in Europe, one behind Martin Chivers, and supplying the pass for Kyle Walker’s assist in build-up to the second.

The midfielder admitted that it was a case of simply getting the job done at the Stadion Saturn.

“We had a long trip to get here,” he said. “With the cold and the pitch, we just needed to get the job done.

“The win is great for us and it keeps the confidence up especially ahead of West Ham on Sunday. I’m very happy with my assists

“When I come on I try to do my best. The link up with Jermain is going well and I’m happy to be involved.”

Tottenham sit top of their group after successive wins and are yet to concede in their four Europa League games this season.