Jol salutes Spurs after comeback

Under-pressure Tottenham manager Martin Jol saluted his players after they fought back from 4-1 down to rescue a 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa.

Jol, who has come under fire following Spurs' poor start to the season, said: "It was a relief in the end. I don't even want to think about if we'd lost.

"At half-time we told the players they have to play for the shirt and give everything - and they did that.

"I am happy for the fans that there was a sort of celebration."

Spurs had paraded former players and managers before kick-off to mark the club's 125th anniversary and Jol was pleased that his side managed a positive result in the end.

The Dutchman accepted the draw would not end speculation about the security of his job at White Hart Lane, saying: "I thought about my future for the last six weeks so that's nothing new.

"I think about my future because I want to be better and better."

But he added: "It was a night about football. I don't want to think about negative things. It's not about results or the league, it's about the celebration.

"We spoiled that, that was awful to concede the goals like we did before.

"But my family are all in the marines and a commander never leaves his troops. If he does that he's lost. I kept my head cool and they have to do it. The only thing I can do is make substitutions."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he expected a Tottenham fightback.

"I would never think it's all over," O'Neill said. "We knew Tottenham would throw absolutely everything at us, with nothing to lose.

"At 4-2, it seemed that we saw off that part of the storm but I've seen it happen before.

"Naturally, we're disappointed. We could have gone fifth and it was a nice incentive but I hope we learn from it. I'm upbeat but disappointed for the travelling fans."

Source: BBC Sport