Holtby Reveals AVB Speculation Led to Negativity Among Tottenham Players

Lewis Holtby has revealed how much negativity was around the Tottenham squad before they managed to secure a morale boosting victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas had come under intense pressure from the media after seeing his side humiliated 6-0 by Manchester City, and was once again forced to answer questions about his future after drawing 2-2 with Manchester United.

The north London club had gone four league games without a victory when they faced Fulham and after falling behind to an Ashkan Dejagah goal it seems as though the pressure would only intensify on Villas-Boas.

But goals from Vlad Chiriches and Holtby ensured a vital three points for Tottenham which moved the club back up to sixth in the Premier League table and just three points off fourth.

After scoring the winner Holtby has revealed how pleased he was to produce the goal as he feels the side can now move forward and focus on securing a run of wins.

"All week I said I have to shoot more and I did it into the top corner," said Holtby, as quoted in the Express. "You cannot imagine how happy I am. It is a dream come true.

"We had so many bad things going on, so much negativity in the team. It was a great response from the team to come back. That is what we needed.

"I hope we are back on track and get back to a winning streak."

Villas-Boas was visibly relieved after the game but insisted that there is still plenty of work to be done before the horror show at the Etihad Stadium can be forgotten.

"Two moments of inspiration saved the game. It was very important for the team. It means a big boost of confidence and fell our way. We went down one goal at the moment we looked more in control of the game and we had to dig deep to find our two winning goals," Villas-Boas explained.

"Now, to complete the bounce back after the 6-0 defeat to Manchester City, it would be great to win at Sunderland. Two away wins would show we are alive and up to those challenging for those spots. We now need to make that final push to the top four."