Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said criticism “is part of our journey” and will make the team “stronger”.

Having won four and lost four, while drawing, in their nine Premier League games so far, Spurs have been criticized for their inconsistency.

They followed a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend with an impressive win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Postecoglou’s side now have a tough test against top-flight Aston Villa in the Championship on Sunday, but the Spurs boss insists they must continue with what they are doing to grow as a team.

“Criticism and scrutiny are healthy because they allow you to reflect on your beliefs and convictions. If you flinch the first time people are critical or want you to change paths, it probably means you’re not not really sure what you’re doing what we’re doing,” he said in his pre-match press conference.

“It’s not something where I think we get too much criticism or unwanted criticism, it’s up to us how we behave and respond to it.

“That’s kind of where we are at the moment, until we have success it’s going to be the first thing people talk to us about as a club and you have to accept that, it’s part of our journey and we become stronger.

“I have a real belief in what we are doing. I said to the players: if you want to grow a beautiful garden you have to use a little fertilizer, so that’s the only way to do it. “