West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas "showed a little bit of immaturity" in dealing with his press criticism but added "in all honesty, he's probably right."

Villas-Boas hit back at the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton on Saturday for what he perceived to be unfair coverage following Spurs' 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

But Allardyce said managers have to take criticism "on the chin".

Speaking to Talksport, the Irons boss added: "You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong.

"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 can't let that happen because you're not going to win."

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

"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."