AVB hopes win is just the start

AVB hopes win is just the start

Published Oct. 2, 2012 7:15 a.m. ET

Andre Villas-Boas hopes Tottenham's historic victory over Manchester United will be just the start of a long run of show-stopping results.

Villas-Boas endured a slow start to his reign at White Hart Lane, with Spurs being booed off twice during an opening trio of winless games.

The Portuguese has masterminded something of a turnaround since, however, with a run of three consecutive league wins that culminated in Saturday's 3-2 victory over United - their first win at Old Trafford since 1989.

Spurs also suffered a difficult start under Villas-Boas' predecessor Harry Redknapp last term, but recovered to go on a 13-match unbeaten run that put them within touching distance of the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

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Villas-Boas today challenged his team to maintain their domestic momentum by winning their next two games against Aston Villa and the 34-year-old's previous employers Chelsea.

"It doesn't stop here," Villas-Boas told Spurs TV Online.

"The emotions we were living (after the United win) are very inspiring and results are also good to build confidence.

"That confidence is good for us as we approach our next couple of games.

"We have two games at home now, and we have to improve our home form to make sure that this becomes a sequence for us."

Before Spurs tackle Villa and the Blues they travel to Athens for Thursday's Europa League Group J clash against Panathinaikos.

Spurs drew their opening fixture in the competition at home to Lazio, although they were desperately unlucky not to beat the Italian giants after having two legitimate goals ruled out.

Villas-Boas won the competition with FC Porto two seasons ago and is determined to lift the trophy again with his new employers.

"We have won two straight away games so to it would be nice to make it three against Panathinaikos," Villas-Boas added.

"It is very important for us to get that win to put us back on track in the group phase of the Europa League and then we are back to the Premier League so (a win) would be is good for everybody."

Gareth Bale was just five months old the last time Spurs beat United on the road thanks to Gary Lineker's strike 23 years ago.

Spurs have conceded three against the Red Devils three times since he joined the club and came off the bench during United's 5-2 hammering of the Londoners in 2009.

"Ever since I have been at Tottenham we seem to go to Old Trafford and either get a lead then lose it or just get absolutely battered," said Bale, who scored Tottenham's second on Saturday.

"Over the last 23 years we haven't won here but now that's over so the lads are absolutely ecstatic.

"We were delighted to get the three points and put ourselves right back up near the top of the league."

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