A brace from the Dutchman secured the win after Spurs had gone a goal down after a goal from Aston Villa ace Marc Albrighton.
“It was a big result for us,” he told Sky Sports. “Coming into the game we had problems at the back. Ledley King failed a fitness test this morning which was a big blow for us.
“I switched Tom Huddlestone back there and they started very well.
“They were so dangerous on the break, so quick, and we were a little bit open.
“We got back into the game right on half-time, Van der Vaart scored and then I changed the system at half-time.
“I decided to give Pav (Roman Pavlyuchenko) a rest, who has had a good week and done great for us, but for the sake of the team and for the sake of the system I decided to go with (Peter) Crouchy up front with Rafael playing in the hole behind him and brought Aaron Lennon on to give us a bit of balance.
“I think it worked very well and I thought we were better second half, we were stronger than them second half.”
“He’s come in and the crowd have taken to him,” he added on Van der Vaart. “They like the way he plays, he’s a good footballer and he suits us fine.
“Him and Luka (Modric) and the other lads play together so he’s going to be a big hit here I’m sure.”
