Tottenham fought back from a goal down to claim a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa and boost their chances of a top four finish in an enthralling clash at Villa Park. Jose Mourinho’s men struggled for much of the afternoon and wasted a host of decent opportunities before a late strike from Son Heung-min moved the north London side up to fifth in the Premier League.
Toby Alderweireld’s own-goal put the home side ahead but the Belgian volleyed in a superb equaliser to level things up before Son had a chance to put Spurs ahead from the penalty spot.
The South Korean’s penalty was initially saved by Pepe Reina, but the forward was quickest to react and poke the rebound into the empty net.
Villa drew level once more through Bjorn Engels’ header but the defender was guilty of a horrendous error that allowed Son to race clear and tuck home deep into injury time.
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CB: Toby Alderweireld – 5
Wrong-footed by a deflection and unable to do anything but divert the looping ball beyond Hugo Lloris for the opener.
Immediate redemption with a stunning volley on the turn to level things up, but never looked comfortable against the pacy Grealish.
CB: Davinson Sanchez – 6
More assured than Alderwerield but avoided by the Aston Villa attackers.
LB: Ben Davies – 8
An excellent return to the side, with the Welshman making a number of key blocks and interceptions as Spurs struggled to get up to speed in the first half.
Also posed problems at the other end with a couple of lively runs into the final third.
CAM: Dele Alli – 5
Spurned several excellent chances to get on the scoresheet, first with his head and was then guilty of skewing wide when one-on-one.
Forced Reina into another save just after the break and wasn’t quick enough to beat the Spaniard when going shoulder to shoulder with Ezri Konza.
LAM: Steven Bergwijn – 7
Looks a real find for Spurs, with the Dutchman creative in possession and not afraid to try his luck from distance.
Won the penalty when he beat Engels to the ball and worked Reina with a smart effort before seeing another strike blocked by Marvelous Nakamba.
ST: Son Heung-min – 8
At the centre of everything good Tottenham did, although the South Korean was guilty of wasting several excellent chances.
Tapped home the rebound after seeing his spot-kick saved by Reina but was brilliantly denied on multiple occasions by the Villa keeper as Spurs pushed in the closing stages.
Pounced on Engels’ mistake in the dying seconds to secure all three points with an excellent, composed finish.
SUB: Giovani Lo Celso (on for Dier, 60 mins) – 6
Forced Reina into a smart save in injury time after clever feet.
SUB: Gedson Fernandes (on for Alli, 83 mins) – N/A
Tried to give Spurs more impetus.
SUB: Jan Vertonghen (on for Bergwijn, 96 mins) – N/A
Used up vital seconds.
