ASTON VILLA 1-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Spurs gave their hopes of surviving relegation from the Premier League a huge boost as Unai Emery's men were booed off the pitch following a dismal performance
This was an absolute gift for Tottenham - and a present which may help them stay up. In fairness, Tottenham were excellent as you could see Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi’s methods are taking shape as they looked hungry, sharp and dangerous.
But Aston Villa were so bad it was embarrassing. The Villa Park faithful booed their team off at half time, full time and vented their frustrations throughout a dreadful display.
Penny for West Ham’s thoughts? Villa made seven changes, they rotated their squad between the two Europa League semi final ties with Nottingham Forest and the regulars who did play barely lifted a leg.
The win meant Tottenham leapfrogged above West Ham, climbed out of the relegation zone and now Spurs look clear favourites to survive with just three games left each.
These are the breaks at this stage of the season with some players already on the beach and other clubs prioritising different competitions.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
But Villa’s lack of interest was shameful. They did not manage an effort on target until Emiliano Buendia’s 96th minute consolation by which time it was too late. This raises questions about integrity. If you are West Ham or Forest you have every right to be fuming.
The Hammers are now in the drop zone and Villa’s surrender also means struggling Forest’s trip to Chelsea on Monday will take on greater importance just three days before their second leg with Villa.
It this was one hell of a lucky break for Spurs who have now strung back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since August.
Last week it was a scrappy, ugly win at Wolves. This time it flowed as they played some good stuff but Villa just stood off and there was no hint of any pressing or tackling.
No wonder the atmosphere inside Villa Park felt rather toxic at times. Unai Emery has got plenty of credit in the bank with Villa fans but it was little wonder most home fans had left before the final whistle.
Furthermore, Villa have yet to secure Champions League football themselves yet. If they keep playing like this then they will not get another point.
In contrast, Tottenham were sharp, fired up and tearing into tackles. They looked on a totally different level to Villa. It is no wonder that the likes of Jadon Sancho, Ross Barkley and Victor Lindelof do not start very often.
Tottenham were at it from the off. Tottenham were ahead after just 12 minutes. And it rather appropriately came from Conor Gallagher with his first goal for Spurs since he turned down Villa to join Tottenham for £35m in January.
Kevin Danso’s long throw was headed clear by Youri Tielemans but it fell to Gallagher who controlled the ball on the edge of the box and then had time to steady himself before firing low into the net from 20 yards.
It was nearly two five minutes later. Joao Palhinha’s low shot required a brilliant low diving save from Martinez to push the ball onto the post. Richarlison did then make it 2-0 after 25 minutes with a close range header from Mathys Tel’s lovely cross.
Villa were no better after the restart. When a short corner routine ended with an offside flag going up, there were audible groans. Sancho simply gave up on a pass forward. It was embarrassing.
Villa did finally create something deep into injury time. Matty Cash’s cross was flicked in by Bunedia but it was too little too late and it was never going to stop the wild celebrations in the away end.
Fair play, the long-suffering Spurs fans have been magnificent all season.