Spurs were 1-0 up at Goodison Park after 90 minutes, but goals from Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic denied the north London side a win over their rivals for a top-four finish.

But, while Villas-Boas admitted the loss was a 'difficult' experience, the Portuguese manager called on his side to use the disappointment to their benefit and return to winning ways.

"The dressing room was extremely disappointed after Everton.  To see the result shift and us to take nothing was difficult," Villas-Boas told reporters.

"The boys came into training this week with desire and wanted to improve.

"I approach the players as individuals and I know we can bounce back. Which we have done this week.

"We take the blame for the first half and how we suffered with goals but we learn from it and we evolve as players and as a manager.

"When a defeat happens there are always things to analyse. We worked on aspects that didn't go well last week like keeping possession and our defensive shape."

The former Chelsea boss was keen to stress that his side face a tough test against an in-form Swansea, who sit just three points behind them in the Premier League.

"We know they have been good away from home," Villas-boas said.

"It won't be an easy game. They are here on their own merit. We are sitting three points off third and we look forward to the next two home games.

"We have come out of a difficult five weeks playing 10 games which has been tiring. The players have been brilliant throughout. It was important to have a breather this week and we've trained well in a free week."

Spurs meet Swansea at White Hart Lane on Sunday