First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison saw Tottenham move out of the relegation zone as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
Gallagher gave Spurs the lead inside 12 minutes as he rifled in from the edge of the box, and they doubled their lead after 25 minutes when Richarlison headed home Mathys Tel’s inswinging cross.
Emiliano Buendia grabbed a consolation for Villa in stoppage time with virtually the last kick of the game.
Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at Villa Park…
Antonin Kinsky 6
Had very little to do, but will be frustrated to have lost his clean sheet in stoppage time. His composure and passing gave Spurs a platform in possession.
Pedro Porro 6
Was not as involved going forward as he typically likes to be, but defended well to allow Udogie to push on.
Kevin Danso 7
Danso’s aggression and composure meant Villa rarely threatened despite scoring late on.
Micky van de Ven 8
Nullified Villa excellently after the break. Recovered well to come across and tackle Tammy Abraham as he threatened to break clear. Serenaded late on by the away support.
Destiny Udogie 7
Stretched the game in behind and linked up well with Tel. As Villa sat back, Udogie became more involved going forward.
Joao Palhinha 8
Tottenham’s midfield picked up every loose ball, and Palhinha came close to doubling the visitors’ lead when his long-range strike hit the post. Took pride in his defensive work, roaring intensely after winning the ball back in the second-half.
Conor Gallagher 9
Opened the scoring with a neatly taken strike from outside the box. Led the press for Spurs, even if his eagerness got the better of him at times. No player made more defensive contributions than the English midfielder.
Rodrigo Bentancur 7
His return to fitness has been a huge boost for Spurs. Helped dictate the midfield battle alongside Gallagher and Palhinha.
Randal Kolo Muani 7
Had the run of Ian Maatsen all game and looked to burst past him at every opportunity. Battled hard in and out of possession. One of his best performances of the season.
Mathys Tel 8
Starting for the first time since the end of March, Tel took his opportunity to impress. His superb inswinging cross gave Richarlison an easy finish.
Richarlison 8
Doubled Spurs’ lead by heading in from Tel’s inswinging cross. Coming in for the injured Dominic Solanke, he led the line excellently.
Substitutes:
Yves Bissouma 6
Shored up Spurs’ midfield in the second-half, continuing where Bentancur had left off. Chased hard without seeing much of the ball.
Djed Spence 6
Important that Spurs did not lose their intensity after making changes to their side, and Spence did not miss a beat. Mature performance.
Lucas Bergvall N/A
Pape Matar Sarr N/A
Unused substitutes:Austin, Dragusin, Maddison, Gray, Souza.
