Andre Villas-Boas: Spurs boss criticised the White Hart Lane crowd

A late penalty from Roberto Soldado proved to be the difference between the two teams as Spurs endured a majorly frustrating afternoon due to a resilient display from the visitors.

The result saw Spurs climb to fourth in the league, three points behind leaders Arsenal, but Villas-Boas says that the home crowd did not help his men to victory in any way, likening the atmosphere to playing an away game.

"I compliment the boys for what they did - great work rate. Not only that but we played away from home. We didn't have the support that we should have had in a game that we needed a win," he told Sky Sports.

"There was much anxiety present in the fans which transmitted to the players, so this victory is down to the players. We did it with no help today.

"It was difficult to break them (Hull). They came here with a good strategy and different to what other teams have done here which is defend and look to hit us on the counter.

"I think the thing we did different to the game against West Ham was that we waited patiently for our opportunity. It's always difficult to get in behind a defence of five plus four in the middle and one up front."

For the third time this season, Spurs claimed a 1-0 win through a Soldado penalty, although Villas-Boas admitted that the decision could have gone either way.

"It's obviously harsh, the ball is stopped from going forward because it hits Elmohamady's hand but it comes off his foot so it's difficult," he said.

"The referee probably could have not given it but he decided to give it. The ball hits him quite strongly so it stops the ball from going forward in the cross.

"It's a position where sometimes you see it given, sometimes you don't. (Steve) Bruce will be absolutely devastated by the decision."

Speaking of Soldado, Villas-Boas added: "He's a great finisher, so cool. Particularly at that time with the levels of anxiety present in the ground.

"We could have perfectly had a result like this against West Ham and our position in the league would be first so sometimes it's difficult. I think we kept the ball on the ground and tried to play, tried to break in behind.

"We need people to be patient and support the players and give them the extra energy to go through and not the negative energy."

Andros Townsend spent a lengthy period off the pitch towards the end of the game after colliding with the advertising hoardings, and Villas-Boas revealed that the winger was knocked out in the incident.

"Apparently he fell in a hole behind the publicity boards which is there for the cameras," he added. "When he fell, he was unconscious and he fell with his wrist and he's in a lot of pain but tells me he's going to be OK."