Townsend has become a constant threat, says Villas-Boas

The Tottenham manager feels sides are beginning to pay more attention to the England international and hailed Sandro's performance in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa

Andre Villas-Boas believes Andros Townsend has become a constant threat for Tottenham following the club's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 22-year-old scored his first Premier League goal for Spurs as his cross drifted past Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan after eluding both Roberto Soldado and Lewis Holtby.

Soldado sealed the win after finishing from close range in the 69th minute but Villas-Boas was quick to praise the recently capped England international for his displays since being reintroduced to the side this season.

"I think he's done what he's been doing excellently," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports.

"He takes the team forward, has this ability to drive and beat the man whenever he takes the ball forward so he's always a threat and teams are starting to be more aware of his strengths."

Sandro made his first Premier League start for Tottenham since January following a cruciate ligament injury and Villas-Boas was buoyed by the Brazilian's return.

"[It was a] great performance," said the Spurs boss.

"The time he got injured last season he was the best ball recoverer in the Premier League and we saw his power today. Really controlled the midfield, wins so many balls and it's great to see him back."

Tottenham suffered their second defeat in the Premier League this season before the international break as West Ham secured a 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane.

Villas-Boas was pleased with Tottenham's response to the loss and believes the result at Villa Park did not flatter his side.

"It was difficult in the first minutes, very unpredictable because Villa kept putting some long balls in behind us and kept stretching us so we had to put our act together which we did after 20 minutes," he said.

"We got hold of the ball, started creating and then the second half was really, really good. After we reached 2-0 we could've gone on to score more.

"After a set-back particularly at home we have to respond and I think we did it in a good fashion. We keep ourselves in touch with the top [of the table].

"I think it's a result we deserved and we want to build from here and continue to gather as many points as possible."