TOTTENHAM:Critism Agenda -driven- Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas says Spurs criticism 'agenda driven'

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas feels the recent criticism he has received is "aggressive and agenda driven" and does not reflect his side's league position.

Villas-Boas praised Spurs' display in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United and told BBC Sport: "The champions of England sit one point ahead of us.

"The pressure that surrounded us this week was aggressive and agenda driven.

"I am very fortunate to have a great group of players that responded in this fashion to show the unity of the team."

There was speculation that Villas-Boas's job was in doubt following his side's 6-0 defeat by Manchester City last weekend, but he felt their performance against United showed his players are behind him.

"We wanted to win, to move above United and keep close to the top of the table, but a draw was not a bad result," he added. 

"But due to fact that we took a heavy defeat against City, this was a great response from players. They played with no fear and great desire. Our performance showed the unity that surrounds us.

"For a team that has not won a trophy since 2008, we sit with the possibility of going into the semi-finals of the league cup, and we have qualified for the next stage of the Europa League with 15 points from our group. To have that kind of driven agenda is not correct in my opinion."

When asked who the agenda was driven by, Villas-Boas replied: "I don't know. You can probably tell me. But that is my opinion and I think we have responded in great fashion."

Tottenham have only picked up two points from their last four league games and Villas-Boas has also been criticised for their lack of goals - 11 in 13 league games - as well as how the proceeds of the £85m summer sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid have been spent. 

Despite that run, Spurs sit ninth in the table, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal but only three points away from the top four and Villas-Boas feels he does not deserve the treatment he has been getting.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I think it's because of the interest and the expectations that Tottenham have. It's natural. I think it's a very, very driven agenda by somebody that doesn't honour the club, nor myself or my players.

"Obviously we understand that the 6-0 defeat is something that can't happen again, so we have to dig deep to make the response. I think we showed that against United."