Villas-Boas delighted by Spurs' persistency in win over Cardiff

Andre Villas-Boas was delighted with the persistence and quality shown by Tottenham in their 1-0 win away to Cardiff City.

The success in the Welsh capital, secured by Paulinho's stoppage-time winner, left Tottenham level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal but behind their arch north London rivals on goal difference.

It took some desperate defending and a dozen world-class saves from goalkeeper David Marshall to deny Tottenham for fully 92 minutes.

But when substitute Erik Lamela picked out Paulinho deep into injury time, Spurs were home and boasting a fourth win in five league games.

"There could only be one winner," Villas-Boas said. "We played so open and tried so hard, that it would have been unfair to have left here with only one point. We got our reward in the end, but with the chances we created, if it wasn't for Marshall, it could have been a more comfortable game.

"Yes, it's satisfying as I don't see many teams coming here and winning against a team who are well-organised and well-managed. And yes, you do worry when you can't score. I thought it might be one of those games."

The Spurs boss did have one or two heart-stopping moments. First, when Kyle Naughton's third-minute back pass failed to reach Hugo Lloris, the French goalkeeper appeared to be inches out of his box when he robbed Fraizer Campbell of possession.