Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has shown his 'immaturity' with angry reaction to criticism, says West Ham manager Sam Allardyce

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has accused Andre Villas-Boas of displaying “immaturity” for reacting angrily to criticism in the media.

Villas-Boas argued with a reporter after Tottenham's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Manchester United on Sunday having taken exception to an article written last week.

The Spurs boss also responded to Lord Sugar mocking his tactics by insisting he is the victim of a "very driven agenda" directed by the club's former chairman.

The pressure on Villas-Boas has escalated since the 6-0 rout by Manchester City eight days ago and Allardyce insists he is unwise to answer his critics in public.

"You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong. You've got to take it on the chin," Allardyce told talkSPORT.

"You and your players have got to do your talking on the field. I think he's just showed a little bit of immaturity.

"It can get under your skin, but you've can't let that happen because you're not going to win."

Allardyce adopted a more sympathetic outlook on Villas-Boas when speaking to the press ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Crystal Palace.

Having been critical during his radio interview, Allardyce's view of his Tottenham counterpart softened as he admitted to respecting his defiance.

"However disappointed you may feel about what people say in media terms, it's still much better keeping your powder dry," Allardyce said.

"I admire him for having a go, but I don't think it will do you any favours in the end unfortunately.

"But I'd admire him for sticking up for himself and having a go for what he believes in. In all honesty, he's probably right."

The pressure on Allardyce's own position eased with Saturday's 3-0 victory over Fulham, although the result had the opposite effect on Martin Jol, who was sacked by the Cottagers 24 hours later.

Jol's fate was shared by Owen Coyle on Monday morning, with the ousted Wigan boss departing less than six months after he was appointed by the Sky Bet Championship club.

"It's sacking season and that never changes at this time of year. If you're not doing so well they make those decisions," Allardyce said.

"It always happens around this time of year because people think is it time for a change because someone hasn't delivered what was expected of him.

"It's an unfortunate industry to be in from that point of view. It's very ruthless and volatile.

"I feel for them (Jol and Coyle), but they will probably brush themselves down and try to move on to the next job when that arises. I wish them well."

West Ham climbed to 15th in the table after dispatching Fulham, but Allardyce stresses the victory means nothing if they are unable to prevail at Selhurst Park.

"The win is just a small contribution to help the situation we're in, but we have to enlarge on that," he said.

"Saturday will have been a waste if we lose to Crystal Palace because they're below us and will gain three points on us."

PA