Sunday March 15th, Aston Villa hosted Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park to play their 29th Premier League game of the season. Tottenham went into the game in need of all three points as they were only just three points outside of relegation. Aston Villa, however, sitting rather comfortably away from the relegation zone in 5th on the table, shared the need for the points in order to push back into the top four.
As the game kicked off, Spurs took immediate control and they stole the first goal within only four minutes. It was Aaron Lennon who produced a cross for Jermaine Jenas to head the ball into the net. After the high flying Spurs side dominated the opening minutes, Villa decided to have a go themselves as Ashley Young began causing major problems down the left wing for Spurs defender Didier Zokora. Zokora was playing out of position at right back in place of Vedran Corluka and in the 35th minute, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp made a crucial decision to substitute Corluka for the frustrated looking Zokora. Immediately, Corluka changed game play as Young was being shut down and he was no longer creating plays.
The second half continued with much the same momentum as the first for Spurs, and they converted another goal four minutes into the half. This time it was Darren Bent on target as he reacted to Robbie Keane’s effort from the side. Both sides continued to create chances on goal but no one could seem to slip one by either keeper. Villa keeper, Brad Friedel, was forced to save a fiery attempt on goal from Croatian Luka Modric and a driven in shot from Keane had to be dealt with. Spurs’ Huerlho Gomes, on the other hand, had less work to do only saving a fair effort from Stiliyan Petrov. The last real chance of the game came in the 84th minute and it was in Villa’s favor. Substitute John Carew, always rising above Jonathan Woodgate to win the header, finally found the net for Aston Villa, making the final score 2-1.
Everyone at Spurs is delighted with their win and recent form. Now, Spurs place in 11th on the table just tied at 35 points with Manchester City in 10th. Next match day, if Man City and Fulham lose, Spurs could move up to at least 7th behind Wigan. However, a difficult game is in line for Spurs as they face Chelsea at the Lane. But with their recent excellent form and their last few winning results, they should be on top of their game yet again and have a good chance of taking all three points.
Jill Guthrie
