half double as Spurs claim comeback victory

Dominic Solanke scored a second-half brace as Tottenham Hotspur moved within two points of the Premier League top four after a 4-1 win against Aston Villa.

Ange Postecoglou's side had to battle back from Morgan Rogers' first-half opener after the Villa man capitalised on defensive errors from a corner.

However, Spurs eventually made their possession and attacking intent tell with Brennan Johnson pulling the hosts level four minutes into the second half.

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Postecoglou made the controversial decision to take Heung-min Son off before the hour mark with the game level.

However, Solanke netted twice inside four minutes to put Spurs out of sight and substitute James Maddison completed the win 4-1 with an excellent free-kick at the death.

Postecoglou will be worried by the injuries of Cristian Romero and Richarlison who both came off injured.

Meanwhile, Villa boss Unai Emery will have food for thought after seeing his side cut open in the second half by Tottenham’s attacking play as they fell to a first away defeat of the season.

Villa head to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, meanwhile Spurs are in Europa League action on Thursday with a trip to Galatasaray

Talking Point – Spurs re-find spark to close gap on Premier League top four

Tottenham came into today’s game with questions being asked following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at lowly Crystal Palace last weekend.

However, a midweek League Cup win against a weakened Manchester City side lifted spirits somewhat.

But when Aston Villa capitalised on some hesitant defending to take the lead there was disgruntlement around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the break.

Postecoglou needed that second half performance, against a good Villa side, to give his side and Spurs fans an evident lift.

Tottenham are now just two points outside the top four now with a Premier League home match against Ipswich Town next weekend.

Player of the Match - Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)

The 27-year-old was bought from Bournemouth for a deal worth £65million in the summer as Tottenham looked to replace marksman Harry Kane.

With his last goal coming in September some questions were being asked about Solanke's suitability to lead the Spurs line.

However, two potent finishes against Aston Villa will give himself and Postecoglou a lift and three vital Premier League points.

Player Ratings

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario 7, Porro 6, Romero 7, Dragusin 6, Udogie 7, Kulusevski 8, Bentancur 7, Sarr 7, Johnson 7, Solanke 8, Son Heung-Min 7.

Subs: Bissouma 6, Davies 7, Gray 6, Maddison 7, Richarlison 6.

Aston Villa: Martinez 8, Cash 7, Konsa 6, Torres 6, Digne 6, Onana 7, Tielemans 7, McGinn 6, Rogers 7, Ramsey 7, Watkins 7.

Subs: Bailey 6, Diego Carlos 6, Duran 6, Kamara 6, Philogene 6.

More to follow...

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