Villas-Boas backs decision to drop Premier League hotshot

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has backed Paul Lambert’s decision to drop former Spurs striker Darren Bent for Christian Benteke.

The Aston Villa manager has come in for some criticism for the decision to play the Belgium international as his lone forward instead of proven Premier League goalscorer Bent.

The Scot’s counterpart at White Hart Lane was not one of these, however, and praised the former Norwich City boss for making a brave decision over the his striker and believes he should be commended for taking a brave decision.

“Benteke has eight goals so far in all competitions and I think he is surprising everybody," said the Portuguese.

"I think to his credit he has come up against strong competition from Bent.

"Paul Lambert was courageous in his decisions to keep on persisting with a player he got so early in the transfer market, so credit to him."

Tottenham travel to Villa Park on Boxing Day for their next Premier League fixture where they will be hoping top get back to winning ways after a disappointing goalless draw with Stoke city on Saturday.

Spurs are expected to come away with against what could be a psychologically damaged Villains side after they were handed an 8-0 thrashing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.