By Phil McNulty, Chief football writer at Villa Park.
Photo Credit: Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with an outstanding 2-1 victory at Aston Villa as new head coach Roberto de Zerbi’s rescue mission gathered momentum.
West Ham United’s defeat at Brentford on Saturday left the door ajar for Spurs to go above their rivals – and they stormed through it with arguably their finest performance of the season.
They made light of injuries to key forwards Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke in last weekend’s victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers – their first in the league since 28 December – to establish a fully deserved two-goal lead at the interval against their fifth-placed hosts.
Conor Gallagher’s first goal since his January move from Atletico Madrid, a crisp low finish from 20 yards, was just reward for a fine start as the visitors led after 12 minutes.
Joao Palhinha then hit the post with a swerving effort, but Spurs’ second goal was not long in coming as Richarlison headed emphatically past Villa keeper Emi Martinez from Mathys Tel’s cross in the 25th minute.
Villa manager Unai Emery made seven changes from the team that lost to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final first leg, with one eye clearly on Thursday’s return at Villa Park – and it showed in a dismal display.
Substitute Emi Buendia pulled a goal back with seconds left, heading home Matty Cash’s cross, but it was too little, too late as Spurs secured the crucial win that moved them a point ahead of West Ham with just three league games left.
Premier League Results
Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool.