Villas-Boas praises ´decisive´ Cesar

12 January 2013 17:20

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas praised Julio Cesar after the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper salvaged a 0-0 draw for his side.

The former Inter Milan shot-stopper kept Tottenham at bay throughout Saturday's Premier League clash at Loftus Road.

A double save in the first half, which included tipping a Jermain Defoe effort onto his post and denying Emmanuel Adebayor, helped Cesar keep his second clean sheet in three matches.

Villas-Boas was frustrated his side could only pick up a draw on the road, but said the Brazilian's efforts were 'decisive'.

"We're a bit disappointed, but we'll take a point away from home and I think it's the first time we haven't scored for quite some time," he told Sky Sports.

"The boys did well. We came out strong at the beginning and strong in the second half, we just couldn't keep the momentum.

"Maybe we didn't create as much as normal but we still take the point against a team that's just won away from home (at Chelsea) and is full of confidence.

"Julio made some great, great saves, and in the end they are decisive because if you score one it unlocks QPR.

"They're well organised, they defend well and can hit you on the counter, so to get that first goal was important for us. It's a pity we couldn't take those chances."

Tottenham midfielder Sandro was substituted in the 25th minute of the clash, but Villas-Boas said he should be fit to face Manchester United on January 20.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp was delighted with Cesar's performance and hailed the result a 'great point'.

"He's a world class goalkeeper, there's no doubt about that," Redknapp said.

"It's a great point. I couldn't have asked for more from them. They stuck to their jobs and did everything I asked.

"We were playing against a top-class team and have taken four points from Chelsea and Tottenham – and that's how it's going to have to be if we're going to stay up."

Redknapp said he was close to bringing Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore to the club on loan, while he is also interested in signing West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie.