Tottenham thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 to move within two points of their Champions League rivals, as Unai Emery’s side imploded after John McGinn’s second-half red card.
McGinn was sent off with almost half an hour to go for taking out Destiny Udogie when Spurs were already 2-0 up through goals from James Maddison and Brennan Johnson three minutes apart early in the second half.
Heung-Min Son and substitute Timo Werner scored in stoppage-time to punish Villa and claim a statement win, which moves them within two points of Unai Emery’s side and swings the goal difference in their favour.
Villa side are now at the mercy of Spurs in the race for Champions League football as they have played a game more. McGinn will also miss key games against West Ham, Wolves and Man City through suspension.
Spurs did suffer a blow though when defender Micky van de Ven had to come off injured just before Maddison’s opener. They will be hoping he can return for the run-in as they look to build on their first back-to-back league wins of 2024.
Watch the flashpoints from Spurs’ big win over Villa
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James Maddison puts Spurs ahead against Aston Villa early in the second half
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Brennan Johnson gives Spurs their second goal of the game, having taken advantage of some sloppy play from the home side
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John McGinn is shown a straight red card for his challenge on Destiny Udogie, sparking a reaction from the Spurs bench
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Son Heung-min adds a third for the visitors, ensuring all three points for Spurs at Villa Park
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Timo Werner adds a fourth for Spurs, who have enjoyed their trip to Villa Park.
How Spurs overcame Aston Villa
Son celebrates scoring Spurs’ third goal in injury-time
Unai Emery sprung a surprise with his team selection, fielding a back five knowing that a draw would leave Villa in full control of the race for Champions League football. The decision ended up backfiring with his side struggling for the fluency that has brought them here.
Neither side impressed in the first half which passed without a shot on target as both sides struggled to deal with the occasion. Villa came closest right before the break but Lucas Digne headed wide after McGinn found him with a cross following a short corner.
Spurs suffered a blow early in the second half when Van de Ven, who had a hamstring injury earlier in the season, had to be taken off. The visitors were undeterred though as they swept past Villa to take the lead with the first shot on target after 50 minutes.
A swift move down the right was finished off by Maddison getting on the end of an inch-perfect cross by Pape Sarr, scoring his first goal for Spurs since October. We didn’t have to wait long until the next goal as Spurs struck three minutes later.
Ezri Konsa’s mistake in possession was punished by Spurs as Son played in Johnson to score his third goal in six Premier League games. Villa failed to assert themselves on the game in their new shape and the frustration eventually told.
McGinn produced what Sky Sports’ Don Goodman described as an “angry challenge” on co-commentary. There was some doubt as to whether it was dangerous to be worthy of a red, but having gone to take out Udogie the Villa captain can have few complaints.
Spurs took their chance to swing the goal difference in their favour late on as Son and Werner struck in stoppage-time with emphatic finishes.
What’s next?
Aston Villa host Ajax in the second leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday March 14. Kick-off 8pm. Three days later they head to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday March 17. Kick-off 2pm.
Saturday 16th March 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
Tottenham’s next league fixture is at Fulham on Saturday March 16, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 5.30pm.
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