Brad Friedel has absolved Andre Villas-Boas of any blame for Tottenham Hotpsur's 1-0 defeat at home to Wigan Athletic yesterday.

The American goalkeeper, who was once again preferred ahead of Hugo Lloris, believes that yesterday's result is the players' burden to bear.

"In my opinion it can be down to the players," said Friedel. "I don't think the manager has a hand to play in the performance.

"I think the manager has been very good since he's been here."

Spurs lie fifth in the Premier League.