Tottenham escaped the drop zone with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa.
Tottenham produced one of their most complete performances of the season to beat a heavily rotated Aston Villa side 2-1 at Villa Park, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone by a single point in the process. Conor Gallagher opened the scoring before Richarlison doubled the lead, with Emi Buendia’s late consolation doing nothing to dampen the relief felt by everyone connected with the club. West Ham’s defeat means Spurs are now above their rivals, albeit by the thinnest of margins, with three games remaining.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Antonin Kinsky (6/10): Steady and composed throughout a match where he was rarely seriously tested by a Villa side that had one eye on their Europa League semi-final commitments. Commanded his area with reasonable authority and contributed cleanly to build-up play without being called upon to produce anything spectacular.
Pedro Porro (6/10): A disciplined and reliable display down the right flank, offering attacking support and maintaining his defensive shape effectively throughout. Did his job without fuss in a performance that reflected the collective organisation De Zerbi has been building.
Kevin Danso (7/10): A considerably improved display compared to recent weeks. Dealt comfortably with Villa’s attacking threat and was authoritative in his defensive positioning, contributing the kind of composed performance that suggests a player growing into the demands of the system around him.
Micky van de Ven (7/10): Continues his gradual return to something approaching his best form. Looked commanding alongside Danso and provided the pace and positional intelligence that has been so badly missed during his difficult spell earlier in the season. A performance that will have pleased De Zerbi considerably.
Destiny Udogie (6/10): Contributed solidly on the left side, providing decent width and defensive cover in a performance that was reliable without being exceptional. His availability after injury is a welcome addition to a threadbare squad.
Joao Palhinha (6/10): A disciplined and purposeful display in the holding role, providing the platform that allowed Bentancur and Gallagher to express themselves further up the pitch. Replaced by Bissouma in the 66th minute having fulfilled his defensive duties effectively.
Rodrigo Bentancur (7/10): Quite simply magnificent. Combined outstanding technical composure with genuine defensive contribution that included two tackles, two interceptions, and three recoveries. Won four of six ground duels and was the heartbeat of everything Tottenham did in possession. His reemergence from injury may prove the single most important factor in this club’s survival, and Sunday was the fullest expression yet of why that is the case.
Conor Gallagher (8/10): Opened the scoring and justified every word De Zerbi said about wanting to see the Gallagher from his Chelsea days. Pressed with intensity, contributed defensively, and produced the decisive attacking moment that set Tottenham on their way. A performance that reflected a player finally beginning to find himself again.
Randal Kolo Muani (8/10): After weeks of criticism, including a dreadful display at Wolves, Kolo Muani was a revelation at Villa Park. Five touches in the opposition box, both crossing attempts completed, four of six dribbles successful and nine of twelve ground duels won. He was a constant menace throughout and thoroughly deserved his place in a performance that showed exactly what he is capable of when confidence and opportunity align. His substitution in the 66th minute for Spence was purely tactical with the game already in hand.
Mathys Tel (7/10): Showed his usual directness and energy before being replaced by Bergvall in the 90th minute. Contributed usefully to a performance where the collective effort was more important than individual brilliance.
Richarlison (8/10): Doubled Tottenham’s lead with the kind of composed finish that justified every word written about his experience in high-pressure matches. Pressed relentlessly, worked tirelessly and delivered when it mattered. Replaced by Sarr in the 90th minute, with the job done.
Substitutes
Yves Bissouma (5/10): Came on for Bentancur in the 66th minute and contributed adequately as Tottenham managed the game through its final stages.
Djed Spence (5/10): Replaced Kolo Muani in the 66th minute and did his job in helping protect the lead without incident.
Pape Matar Sarr (N/A): Introduced in the 90th minute with insufficient time to influence proceedings.
Lucas Bergvall (N/A): Came on in the 90th minute with the result already secured.