Tottenham moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a crucial 2-1 win over Aston Villa, holding on despite a late scare to claim back-to-back wins that moves them a point above West Ham.
Spurs seize control with dominant first-half display
Tottenham set the tone early with an aggressive press, unsettling an Aston Villa side that never found their rhythm.
Their pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Conor Gallagher capitalised on a loose clearance, setting himself before driving a powerful strike through bodies and into the bottom corner.
The visitors continued to dictate proceedings, controlling possession and territory with far greater intensity than their hosts.
Villa, who rotated heavily, struggled to gain any foothold and failed to register a single shot before the break.
Spurs doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Mathys Tel delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Richarlison rose above his marker to power a header past the goalkeeper.
Villa improve late but Spurs hold on
Aston Villa showed more intent after the interval, increasing their share of possession, but clear chances remained far and between.
Tottenham, meanwhile, shifted into a more compact defensive shape, protecting their lead.
Villa’s first real opportunity did not arrive until late on, underlining the lack of attacking cohesion that defined their performance.
As the match entered stoppage time, Tottenham appeared to have seen the game out comfortably.
However, Villa finally found a breakthrough deep into added time when Matty Cash delivered an inswinging cross that Emiliano Buendía guided into the top corner with a well-taken header.
The late goal sparked brief concern from the away end, but it arrived too late to alter the outcome.
