Andre Villas-Boas was hugely relieved to secure the first home win of his tenure as Tottenham hit back to defeat QPR at White Hart Lane.
Spurs boss celebrates first home win since taking charge
Andre Villas-Boas was hugely relieved to secure the first home win of his tenure as Tottenham hit back from a goal down to defeat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at White Hart Lane.
Spurs were again jeered from the field at the interval as they trailed after Bobby Zamora's opener, with the visitors well on top and forcing Brad Friedel into a number of fine saves.
But a dramatic spell on the hour mark turned the game on its head, with Alejandro Faurlin diverting Steven Caulker's header into his own net before Jermaine Defoe found the net after Gareth Bale's shot had hit the bar.
Villas-Boas' team had drawn 1-1 in their previous Premier League home games against West Brom and Norwich, while three disallowed goals prevented the Portuguese from registering his first victory in north London against Lazio on Thursday night.
His sheer joy at the final whistle was therefore understandable as he punched the air with glee having watched his team close out a nervy last 20 minutes to secure a second consecutive league victory against an impressive QPR side.
"We have wanted this home win for some time but for whatever reason it has escaped us," Villas-Boas said.
"It's an important win for the team. We wanted to repay the fans for the trust they have put in us so that's why everyone felt emotional at the end.
"It was a good win. We showed the spirit we have been showing in the last couple of games.
"In the first half we couldn't get our game right, but in the second half the players really pushed up and changed to another level and it made all the difference in the end.
"The focus and desire paid off."
Villas-Boas was also keen to salute the efforts of goalkeeper Friedel, who was restored to the starting XI having been rested in favour of big-money summer signing Hugo Lloris against Lazio.
The Spurs boss said: "He is in top form at the moment. He is feeling very motivated and showing it week in, week out. It was another good game for him."
