Villas-Boas hits out at Tottenham fans after Hull City win

The 36-year-old saw his side climb to fourth in the league after a Roberto Soldado penalty in the final minutes but blasted their fans for creating a 'very difficult atmosphere'

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has hit out at his club's fans after claiming his side had to "do it alone" in their 1-0 victory over Hull City at White Hart Lane.

Steve Bruce's men had looked set for a point until the 80th minute when Ahmed Elmohamady was harshly penalised for handball after Jan Vertonghen's cross hit his arm.

Soldado converted the penalty to push his side up to fourth in the table but Villas-Boas criticised the home fans and instead chose to praise his players for claiming victory in a 'very difficult atmosphere.'

"I think this victory belongs to the players," he told reporters. "They did it themselves. We looked like the away team today and played in a very difficult atmosphere with almost no support coming.

"We have a wonderful set of fans but I'm pretty sure they can do better and I know they can do better. Away from home, their support has been absolutely amazing.

"We play with no fear and full confidence and that's why we beat all the records away from home last season. I think we need to bring this atmosphere into White Hart Lane and not the negativeness that was present in the stadium today."

The 36-year-old, whose side are just three points off the league leaders, heaped praise on his players for showing patience to score in the final minutes after admitting it was difficult to break the opposition down.

He continued: "We didn't have the support we should have done. There was much anxiety from the stands, the players had to do it alone.

"It was difficult to break them down. They came here with a good strategy, which is nothing different to what teams do when they come here.

"The difference today is that we were patient. I compliment the boys for what they did, it was great work-rate."