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Resurgent Spurs searching for third win on the bounce in relegation battle

George Flood

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham will hope to edge closer to Premier League survival when they host Leeds on Monday night.

After a shock 2-1 win at fifth-place Aston Villa last weekend to follow West Ham’s listless 3-0 loss at Brentford, Spurs leapfrogged their London rivals out of the bottom three by a single point with three games to go to offer real renewed hope of avoiding a disastrous first relegation to the second tier of English football since 1977.

It felt like a real momentum-changing weekend in the battle to avoid the drop as injury-ravaged Tottenham, albeit playing against a much-rotated team with one eye on the Europa League semi-finals, made it back-to-back wins under Roberto De Zerbi with arguably their best performance of the season - and it would have been three in a row were it not for a last-gasp equaliser conceded against Brighton last month.

Spurs will look to continue that feel-good factor as they host Leeds on Monday night, by which time they could be back in the bottom three if West Ham - whose goal difference is much worse than Tottenham’s - manage to topple leaders Arsenal against the odds at home on Sunday afternoon.

This would previously have been dubbed as a massive relegation six-pointer, but Leeds - along with Nottingham Forest - have since pulled clear of danger to make it a straight fight between Tottenham and West Ham, with Daniel Farke’s beaten FA Cup semi-finalists currently sitting 14th and seven points clear of trouble after winning three of their last four league games.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Leeds is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Monday May 11, 2026.

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Leeds

TV channel: The game will be broadcast live in the UK on Monday Night Football via Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the match live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Spurs correspondent Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Tottenham vs Leeds team news

Antonin Kinsky will remain in goal for Tottenham, with Guglielmo Vicario not yet ready to return from hernia surgery.

De Zerbi hopes that Dominic Solanke will be back in contention following a hamstring injury against Chelsea next week, with the Spurs boss reporting no fresh injury worries.

A lengthy injury list includes Cristian Romero, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies, while Richarlison did not train on Wednesday after a knock suffered against Villa.

No return: Tottenham will still be without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario against Leeds

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De Zerbi allayed any concerns after the win at Villa Park that Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur had picked up new injuries, while James Maddison was an unused substitute for the third game in a row as he awaits his first appearance in a year following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Leeds are still without Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson due to a hamstring injury, while Bulgarian midfielder Ilia Gruev will miss the rest of the season with a meniscus knee injury sustained in training.

Tottenham vs Leeds prediction

Spurs fans will hope a real corner has been turned at last thanks to the impact of De Zerbi, whose methods appear to be having a real effect on the squad in the short-term.

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They seem to be playing with more belief, confidence and momentum at long last, showing so much more fight.

It would not be at all surprising to see them chalk up another vital win here, though Leeds are in strong form themselves and know how to grind out results.

While they have won only two away games in the league all season, eight of their 17 fixtures on the road have finished level, while Tottenham have only won two at home in the top-flight this term.

Draw, 1-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Spurs have won their last five games in a row against Leeds, including a Kudus-inspired 2-1 victory at a wet Elland Road under Thomas Frank back in October.

Leeds’ last win in this fixture was back in May 2021. They have not registered an away win over Spurs for 25 years.

Tottenham wins: 42

Leeds wins: 33

Draws: 29

Tottenham vs Leeds match odds

Tottenham to win: 17/20

Leeds to win: 29/10

Draw: 14/5

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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Former Fulham midfielder has impressed during on his Premier League return

Oli Gent

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that he “100 per cent” wants to keep Joao Palhinha at Tottenham next season.

Palhinha joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich last summer with a €30million (£25.9m) option to buy at the end of this season.

The Portuguese midfielder has come in for criticism at times this term, but has also popped up with a number of important goals, including the winner away to Wolves, which secured Spurs’ first league win in 118 days.

Palhinha’s emphatic roar midway through the second-half of last weekend’s 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa surmised Spurs’ industrious performance and reflected a combative personal display from the 30-year-old.

De Zerbi is keen to keep Palhinha and says the spirit and attitude the former Fulham midfielder embodies is exactly the type of character he wants to build his team around.

“100 per cent [I want to keep him next season)]” De Zerbi said on Thursday.

“We have to start with [those] types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.

“I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha.”

Strong relations: Joao Palhinha

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Spurs’ midfield was central to their dominant display at Villa Park, with Conor Gallagher providing energy and crucially a goal threat, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Palhinha gave De Zerbi’s side balance.

De Zerbi is a big fan of Gallagher, who produced the most combined blocks, tackles, interceptions and recoveries against Villa, and said that Spurs play as if they have a 12th man with the Englishman in the side and in form.

Gallagher has not had it easy since arriving in north London from Atletico Madrid in January, and had to wait three months for his first league win.

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But De Zerbi has retained his trust in the former Chelsea man and said that he has adapted well physically and mentally to become one of Spurs’ most important players in recent weeks.

“I'm happy because I think from the perspective of Conor, he came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning - his physical condition, his environment,” De Zerbi said.

“To understand the different club, different style of play, different dressing room. But he's an important player, the first level of the players.

“So I'm happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.”

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First-choice goalkeeper has been out since new boss’ arrival

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario will miss Tottenham’s relegation clash at home to Leeds on Monday night.

Vicario had been expected back in training three weeks ago, having undergone hernia surgery over the international break.

His return to action has been delayed, and De Zerbi admitted in his pre-match press conference on Thursday that he did not know when Vicario would return.

“No, Vicario is not ready yet,” De Zerbi said.

“I don’t know what the plan would be.

”He is suffering because he would like to help his teammates, but he is not available.”

In Vicario’s place, stand-in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has impressed and was unlucky not to keep a second successive clean sheet as Spurs restricted Aston Villa to just one shot on target during their 2-1 win at Villa Park last weekend.

Dominic Solanke also missed the win over Villa with a hamstring injury, and De Zerbi said he was unlikely to feature against Leeds, though he hoped he could be in contention to play Chelsea next week.

“Solanke is improving, I don't know [whether he will be fit] for this game. We hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge," the Italian explained.

Without Solanke in the side, Richarlison came in for his first start in four games against Villa and scored to double Spurs’ lead after 25 minutes with a well-taken header.

Worry: Rodrigo Bentancur

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There were concerns following the game against Villa that Rodrigo Bentancur had suffered an injury after he was substituted midway through the second-half.

De Zerbi, though, allayed those fears, stating the midfielder was just tired in his post-match press conference at Villa Park.

Spurs’ midfield combination was crucial to their dominance against Villa, and De Zerbi is likely to again call upon Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Bentancur for the visit of Leeds.

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In defence, De Zerbi has been able to rely on a settled backline, with Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie at full-back and Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven forming a solid centre-half partnership.

With Udogie overcoming a muscle injury to start against Villa, De Zerbi is again likely to have a near-full complement of defensive options as he prepares to take on Leeds, minus captain Cristian Romero, who is out for the remainder of the campaign.

James Maddison remains a doubt despite having been named on the bench in each of Spurs’ last three games.

The 29-year-old has not played a competitive game in over a year following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Following their victory over Villa, Spurs are now one point clear of the relegation zone with three games to go.

Spurs, though, know that their destiny is in their own hands in the race for Premier League survival.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bissouma, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Tel; Richarlison

Doubt: Maddison

Injured: Davies, Kulusevski, Odobert, Kudus, Romero, Simons, Solanke, Vicario

Date and time: 8pm BST on Monday, May 11, 2026

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

How to watch: Sky Sports

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Spurs remain mired in two-horse race to dodge the drop, but things are looking up since Italian’s appointment

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Roberto De Zerbi has overseen an impressive turnaround at Tottenham after they moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win away to Aston Villa last weekend.

Just a month after taking over from interim manager Igor Tudor, De Zerbi has taken seven points from his first four games to put Spurs in pole position in the race for Premier League survival.

De Zerbi inherited a team that had not won in the league since December and looked on course to be relegated to the second division for the first time since 1977.

Now, with three games to go, they are one point ahead of 18th-place West Ham and know that their destiny is in their own hands.

Here, Standard Sport looks at three ways De Zerbi has boosted Tottenham’s fortunes since taking charge…

Found a midfield combination that works

De Zerbi has been beset by injuries since arriving in north London, losing Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons to season-ending injuries.

The Italian has, however, been boosted by the return of Rodrigo Bentancur from a serious hamstring injury.

Bentancur’s return to fitness has elevated Spurs’ midfield, with the Uruguayan providing energy and dynamism in the middle of the park.

In De Zerbi’s first game in charge, he was unable to call upon Bentancur as Spurs’ midfield struggled to deal with Sunderland’s physicality.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s return has aided Tottenham’s midfield resurgence

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Spurs were much improved as they went toe-to-toe with Brighton, propelled by Bentancur’s all-action display.

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Since the Uruguayan has come back into the side, Spurs have looked much more balanced, and the 28-year-old was again key as they dismantled Villa within 25 first-half minutes last Sunday.

De Zerbi has settled on a midfield combination he can trust, with Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha alongside Bentancur.

Fixing Spurs’ problems in midfield has been De Zerbi’s biggest challenge, but it is now arguably their biggest strength.

Empowering Conor Gallagher

Speaking to the media after beating Villa, Gallagher credited his man-of-the-match performance to De Zerbi.

Despite a difficult start to life at Spurs, De Zerbi has stuck by Gallagher and implored him to rediscover the form he showed while at Chelsea.

Gallagher has been a lightning rod for criticism since his January move from Atletico Madrid.

Conor Gallagher has hit form at just the right time

AFP via Getty Images

But De Zerbi has routinely praised the English midfielder, having placed him at the centre of his plans to guide Spurs to safety. Gallagher’s intensity is key to how De Zerbi wants to play.

The 26-year-old’s ability not only to force high turnovers but also carve out shooting positions keeps Spurs on the front foot.

Lauded for his work out of possession, Gallagher’s finishing ability is often overlooked, but he delivered a reminder of his quality in the final third by opening the scoring against Villa from the edge of the box.

Gallagher has been a polarising figure throughout his career, but he has found a place in De Zerbi’s set-up and is expected to play a critical role in the remainder of the season.

Shored up leaky defence

Spurs had conceded 20 goals in their last seven games when De Zerbi took over at the end of March, and were without a league clean sheet since New Year’s Day.

The side was all over the place defensively when De Zerbi took the reins, and there were few signs of improvement as they shipped three goals in his first two matches.

Since conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at home to Brighton, though, Spurs have looked a different proposition at the back.

Tottenham’s much-maligned defence finally seems to have clicked

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Despite losing Romero to a season-ending knee injury, Spurs have managed well without the Argentine defender and have conceded just two shots on target across their last two games.

They were unlucky to concede a late consolation against Villa, and also did well to restrict Wolves before scoring an 82nd-minute winner at Molineux.

Spurs’ defence has provided the backbone for their recent upturn in form and could prove the difference as they look to hold off West Ham.

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Spurs have hauled themselves out of the relegation zone

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Conor Gallagher has revealed the work Roberto De Zerbi has done behind the scenes to kickstart Tottenham’s Premier League survival bid.

In a key week in the relegation battle, Spurs took full advantage of West Ham’s defeat at Brentford by winning away at Aston Villa to move out of the relegation zone.

The victory was the second on the spin for De Zerbi, after an first-game defeat at Sunderland was followed by 95th-minute minute equaliser for Brighton in a 2-2 draw.

With a home game next Monday night against Leeds, who are all but safe following their own upturn in form, there is renewed hope De Zerbi can guide his squad to safety.

Gallagher – who scored his first goal for Spurs on Sunday since joining from Atletico Madrid in January – believes the “one-to-one” man-management style of former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi has been vital.

Conor Gallagher

PA

“The gaffer has been brilliant with us. He has brought the team together,” the 26-year-old told reporters. “He is really worked on players individually with one-to-one meetings and one-to-one chats, trying to get that belief and confidence back in the players.

“He has done that with me and it has made a big difference. I know he has done that with a lot of the other lads.

“As a team as well, all the work he has done on the training pitch and the meeting rooms, it has been fantastic and everyone is on the same page.”

De Zerbi was full of praise for Gallagher after the best display of what has been a tough start to his Spurs career.

“He just reminds me of when I was at my best. He said that second season at Chelsea, when I had a really good season, he just reminded me of that player,” Gallagher said.

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“He wants me to be like that again and to not forget how good I can be.

“He has done that with a lot of the lads. It is as simple as that, just trying to remind us of what we were when we were at our best.”

Despite the positives of their last two games, Gallagher knows nothing has been achieved as yet.

“There is a lot of work to do,” he said. “We are fully focused on the next game, hopefully do the same performance and another win.”

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham will look to build on victory over Aston Villa when they face Leeds next Monday.

Spurs produced, arguably, their best performance of the season at the weekend to win 2-1 at Villa Park and climb out of the Premier League relegation zone in the process.

Goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison were enough to secure back-to-back wins for Tottenham and further boost hopes of avoiding the drop.

With West Ham losing to Brentford and facing title challengers Arsenal next, there is a chance for Spurs to really grab hold of the relegation battle and secure survival before the final game of the season.

While Rodrigo Bentancur was forced off in the second half against Villa, it was an evening of positives for Roberto De Zerbi, particularly on the injury front with Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr returning to action.

With that in mind, here’s the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates...

Rodrigo Bentancur

As mentioned above, Bentancur had to be substituted midway through the second half against Villa after receiving treatment from the Tottenham medical staff on the pitch.

Given Spurs’ rotten injury record this season, it is no surprise that supporters will have been concerned about a fresh setback.

However, De Zerbi confirmed in the post-match press conference that the Uruguay international is fine.

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“Bentancur, just tired,” De Zerbi told reporters.

Potential return date: Monday, May 11, vs Leeds (H)

Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven was spotted limping late on as Spurs conceded in stoppage time to a Emiliano Buendia header which proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Asked about the the Dutchman’s fitness, De Zerbi confirmed that Van de Ven had also come through the game unscathed.

Potential return date: Monday, May 11, vs Leeds (H)

Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons will not play for Tottenham again this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee during the vital 1-0 win over Wolves.

The Dutch attacking midfielder appeared to jar his knee in the turf when trying to regain his balance, and promptly collapsed to the pitch in agony.

A lengthy spell of treatment followed pitchside before Simons tried and failed to walk, and was then stretchered off the pitch.

Simons has since confirmed that his season is over, along with his World Cup dream.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it,” Simons wrote on Instagram.

“Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup.”

Season over: Xavi Simons

PA

Simons is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period, potentially not returning before the end of 2026.

Potential return date: Unknown

Dominic Solanke

After Dominic Solanke was substituted before half-time in the win over Wolves, reports then suggested that the striker had suffered a grade 2 hamstring injury and would miss the remainder of the season.

Asked for an update on Solanke’s fitness on Friday, De Zerbi said: “I don’t know yet (if he is out for the rest of the season). Villa no.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero is out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against Sunderland last month.

He collided with Antonin Kinsky following a push from Brian Brobbey, and was forced off, with De Zerbi later confirming he would not return this campaign and is in a race to be fit for the World Cup.

“I don’t know if there is a chance to play one game, two games, I don’t know. I hope so. But I don’t know,” De Zerbi said.

“But for him, I would like it if he can be available to play in the World Cup, especially for an Argentinian player. They feel the national team more than Italian players or other nations.”

Potential return date: June 2026

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus, who has been out since January, will not play again for Spurs this season after suffering a setback on his recovery.

Spurs confirmed in a statement at the start of April that they were assessing whether the Ghana international would need to undergo surgery.

But when pressed on whether the club had made a decision, Roberto De Zerbi said he had yet to speak to the doctors.

“I don’t know [if Kudus will require surgery],” he told reporters. “Not spoken with the doctor about the Kudus situation.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Guglielmo Vicario

De Zerbi has been hoping to welcome goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario back to training for a couple of weeks now after hernia surgery.

The procedure was timed so as to disrupt the Italian’s campaign as little as possible, but he has now missed four Premier League matches in a row.

Spurs have significant time before their next game, so perhaps Vicario will be back for the huge fixture against Leeds.

Potential return date: Monday, May 11, vs Leeds (H)

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is still aiming to be fit to play for Sweden at this summer’s World Cup.

Kulusevski has not played for Tottenham since undergoing surgery on a patella injury in May 2025, and last underwent further surgery on his knee in February this year.

He is yet to return to training, and Roberto De Zerbi hopes the play is soon able to get back on the pitch for club or country.

Hopeful: Dejan Kulusevski

Getty Images

"I'm sorry for him because he was one of my perfect players. He's a very specific player for me, like Kudus, like Romero,” De Zerbi said.

“I hope he can play in the World Cup because the World Cup for a player is a moment. It's the best period of his career. But I don't know the situation very well."

Potential return date: June 2026

James Maddison

James Maddison has now featured in three successive matchday squads without getting on the pitch.

De Zerbi confirmed ahead of the trip to Villa that he was unsure if the attacking midfielder would play for Tottenham before the season is over.

“I don't know, I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, he's a different player, but we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things,” De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference.

“But I think he can be important in the next three games.”

Wilson Odobert

Wilson Odobert saw his season cut short when he suffered an ACL rupture against Newcastle in February.

Potential return date: Autumn 2026

Ben Davies

Potential return date: Unknown

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Sam Tabuteau

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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.

Leading by example: Micky van de Ven

PA

Destiny Udogie 7

Stretched the game in behind and linked up well with Tel. As Villa sat back, Udogie became more involved going forward.

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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.

On target: Richarlison

Getty

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.

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham looked like a team destined to secure Premier League survival after they beat a dire Aston Villa 2-1 to move out of the bottom three.

Spurs put in their best performance of the season to claim three crucial points at Villa Park, thanks to first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison.

They look a different side under Roberto De Zerbi, registering back-to-back league victories for the first time since August, and are now favourites to beat the drop.

The north London club leapfrogged West Ham in the table and with a home game to come against Leeds, after the Hammers host Arsenal, their position could be even rosier next week.

The way they pressed and won back possession all over the pitch was reminiscent of De Zerbi’s Brighton, giving every indication Spurs will be a top flight team next season.

They were fortunate to come up against a Villa side who produced their worst display of the season, with their attention clearly on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest.

Indeed, Villa were so bad they scored in the sixth minute of time added on with their only effort on target, with Emiliano Buendia heading home.

Unai Emery’s men still have their league business to look after, though, and missed the chance to all but seal a Champions League spot for next season.

Tottenham came into the game buoyed by West Ham’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday and they will have been further enthused when they saw a Villa side featuring seven changes from their midweek loss to Forest in Europe.

They were the better team from the off and had a great chance to open the scoring inside two minutes.

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Gallagher pressed well and forced Villa into a mistake playing out from the back, with the ball finding Richarlison 12 yards out, but his shot was blocked.

A deserved lead came in the 12th minute as Gallagher scored his first goal for the club.

A long throw was headed out to the on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder, who slammed a 25-yard shot into the bottom corner.

Spurs were within inches of making it 2-0 five minutes later. Paulinha shot from distance and his low 20-yard shot was heading into the bottom corner until Emiliano Martinez tipped it onto the post.

Villa were abject and were again reliant on their Argentinian goalkeeper to keep the deficit at one as he palmed Randal Kolo Muani’s far-post effort over the crossbar.

However, from the resulting 25th minute corner, Spurs doubled their advantage.

Tel’s cross was begging to be converted and Richarlison obliged, nodding into an empty net after Martinez went walkabout.

Spurs were in dreamland and deserved every bit of their success.

They were quicker, stronger and smarter than their opponents, who looked like their hearts were not in it.

Villa did not improve after the break either and failed to test Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky until late on, when Buendia headed home Matty Cash’s cross.

But this was to be Tottenham’s night as they made a big move towards securing survival.

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Roberto De Zerbi is without Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario for Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa this evening.

Spurs travel to Villa Park on Sunday evening sitting in 18th place in the Premier League table and still two points from safety with just four games left to play this season, but buoyed by West Ham’s defeat at Brentford on Saturday.

Tottenham secured their first league win of the calendar year last weekend by beating bottom-of-the-table Wolves 1-0 at Molineux, but time is running out for them to turn things around.

Spurs’ victory against Wolves was overshadowed by injuries in each half to Xavi Simons and Solanke. Simons had to be stretchered off after colliding with Wolves defender Hugo Bueno in the 61st minute, while Solanke was substituted before half-time.

Simons has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as well as this summer’s World Cup after Spurs confirmed the Dutch midfielder had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

Meanwhile, reports have since surfaced suggesting that Solanke is also set to miss the remaining four games of the season with a grade 2 hamstring injury.

Richarlison took Solanke’s place at Molineux, and the Brazilian is handed a start against Villa, with De Zerbi saying he was unsure how many games Solanke would miss.

De Zerbi is contending with a mounting injury list and still will not be able to call upon Vicario against Villa, with the Italian remaining on the sidelines since undergoing hernia surgery during the March international break.

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