Many were shocked this summer when Spurs chairman Daniel Levy sacked Harry Redknapp and replaced him with Villas-Boas, who had just endured a torrid eight-month spell in charge of Chelsea. Villas-Boas' critics were given further ammunition when the 34-year-old's team failed to win any of their opening three games.
But the Portuguese has turned around the club's fortunes in recent weeks, winning three straight league games, and he said: "I have never doubted my abilities, I always trusted them. It's funny how things change so dramatically."
He added: "The Premier League is completely unpredictable. We started the season (badly). We are now fifth from the top.
"You have to perform at this level. This is the early stages in the Premier League."
Villas-Boas is not a man to rest on his laurels, however. He knows a lot still has to be done to achieve the top-four place Levy demanded of him when he signed a three-year contract at White Hart Lane in July.
After last weekend's memorable win at Old Trafford, Tottenham's lack of ruthlessness reared its head again on Thursday night when they dominated their Europa League game against Panathinaikos but only came away with a point after the Greek hosts scored a late equaliser.
The Spurs boss has been encouraged by his team's improved results in the Barclays Premier League, but he now wants them to maintain their push for Champions League qualification by beating Aston Villa on Sunday and Chelsea the following weekend.
"We want to cement our position at the top because we understand that being at the top can drive our ambitions upwards," Villas-Boas said. "We have won three (league) games on the trot. Now we go into two difficult home games.
"We understand we made history by winning at Old Trafford, but if we want to take that step forward, we have to win the next couple of fixtures."
Source: PA
Source: PA