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Manchester City have "never lived in this kind of situation", manager Pep Guardiola said after his side were condemned to a fifth consecutive defeat in a 4-0 demolition by Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

James Maddison's first-half brace was complemented by goals from Brennan Johnson and Pedro Porro in the second half as City suffered their worst-ever defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

It's only the second time in Guardiola's career his side have lost a home game by four or more goals, with this result being City's worst defeat on home soil since a 5-1 loss to Arsenal at Maine Road in 2003 - per the Premier League.

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"In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation," Guardiola told BBC Radio 5 Live after the match.

"Now we have to live it and break it by winning the next games, especially the next one. Now we see things in one way, maybe in a few weeks we see it differently.

"In this moment, we are fragile defensively. We started really well as normal but we could not score and then after that we conceded. After that we conceded some more which is difficult for our emotions right now."

City started the game the stronger of the two sides as Erling Haaland missed two good chances to open the scoring within 10 minutes.

Spurs then went ahead with a rare early attack as Maddison guided home a beautiful in-swinging cross from the in-form Dejan Kulusevski.

Maddison doubled his tally before the break, finishing with a delightful dink over Ederson from close range. City, though, could not salvage a response as the champions struggled to force Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario into making many meaningful saves.

"We are not used to doing this situation but life is like this," Guardiola added. "Sometimes it happens and we have to accept it. It is what it is now and we will stand up and do it."

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola added: "Chances were there. The moment they create the chances the build-up, we couldn't handle the duels like normal. Now we're struggling a little bit.

"It cannot happen. When you play top level teams we can concede chances but it's part of the process. In our situation it's a bit tougher. Of course, Rodri is important, but we knew that for many months.

"We have to come back and freshen our minds. The season is so long. Many things can happen," he concluded.

City face Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night before a seismic test at Anfield where they face league leaders Liverpool next weekend.

Defeat to Arne Slot's side would see City fall 11 points behind their title rivals - providing Liverpool successfully overcome Southampton on Sunday.

'City test you in every football way possible' - Postecoglou heaps praise on 'outstanding' Spurs

Video credit: SNTV

Maddison - This team is better with me playing

James Maddison was all smiles as he celebrated his 28th birthday with an Etihad Stadium brace, going on to describe the win as "special".

"To come to the champions, with how much they’ve dominated in recent years, to come and win 4-0 is special and I think it’s important for us to enjoy it. These days are rare so we’re going to enjoy this one," he said.

The England international was restored to the starting eleven by Ange Postecoglou after being dropped to the bench for previous Premier League games against Aston Villa and Ipswich.

The midfielder told Sky Sports that he wants to prove to his manager that the team is better with him starting.

"I’m never happy not playing," he said. "The gaffer took me out for tactical reasons but I’ve got a lot of self-belief and if I go through tough spells like that.

"I’m able now, at the age I’m at, to go and show that this team is much better with me in it – not in an arrogant, big-headed way, but a mindset of myself and that self-belief, because that’s the only way you get out of those little ruts.

"I’m really happy that I bounced back today and showed my leadership, I think the manager will be happy with that."

Spurs will now look for consistency, with their momentum being stubbed by upset losses to the likes of Ipswich and Crystal Palace. Maddison believes their performance today shows the side's true colours.

"That’s the real Spurs today," he said. "We had a bit of everything, we pressed hard, defended deep, relied on our keeper, got blocks in, scored on the counter... we were brave. That 90 minutes there is what we want Spurs to be and we’re going to strive to do that more consistently."

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James Maddison celebrated his 28th birthday in style by netting a superb first-half double as a rampant Tottenham side smashed Manchester City's record 52-match unbeaten home run with an astonishing 4-0 drubbing – City's heaviest defeat at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola's reigning champions – who last tasted defeat before the City fans in the Premier League against Brentford in a 2-1 Premier League loss two years and 35 matches ago – made a bright start to a dark evening, but were stunned when Maddison bounded onto a cross from Dejan Kulusevski to volley home the opener on 15 minutes.

It was Maddison who again punished some slack City passing to accept a sparkling Son Heung-min pass to lift the ball delightfully over Ederson for the second on 20 minutes.

Premier League

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And the visitors condemned Guardiola's side to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions, the worst run of his long managerial career, when Dominic Solanke played provider for Pedro Porro to thump the third into the net on 52 minutes from a majestic counter attacking move.

City were long since finished by then, but Brennan Johnson tapped home from fellow sub Timo Werner's pass deep in added time to complete the rout and condemn City to a new record home defeat after shipping four goals without response for the first time since leaving Maine Road for the Etihad in 2003.

It is also the first time City have endured such a dismal run of losses since 2006 when Stuart Pearce was manager with Guardiola also suffering his heaviest home defeat as a manager.

In truth, Ange Postecoglou's visitors were well worth the margin of victory as they move four points behind City in sixth after Spurs blew a 2-0 half-time lead at the Etihad last year in a match they somehow lost 4-2.

As it is, Liverpool can move eight points clear of City at the summit if they win at Southampton on Sunday.

Talking Point: Rodri reminds City what they are missing

One player does not make a team, but you can make probably make a case for Rodri at Manchester City.

The outstanding Spain midfielder is recovering from a serious knee injury, but was given a huge ovation before kick-off as he showed off his 2024 Ballon d'Or award for being voted the world's best player to the home fans.

With Spurs overrunning and overwhelming City in the midfield for most of a fateful night, it turns out Rodri merely reminded the suffering City support what they are missing.

It is too early to suggest this is a crisis, but it is certainly a crisis of confidence for Guardiola's side that makes you wonder if they possess the mettle to last the course and distance this season without Rodri's leadership skills at the heart of their play.

How they react to this slump in their UEFA Champions League meeting with Feyenoord at the Etihad on Tuesday night will be fascinating.

Player of the Match: James Maddison (Tottenham)

Difficult to believe Spurs lost 2-1 at home to Ipswich a fortnight ago when you see them in this mood. Erling Haaland could have scored a few for City early on, but Maddison showed the Norway forward how to do it with two clinical finishes of the highest order.

Unplayable for most of the night, and the home side were arguably fortunate to escape shipping only four as slick Tottenham team cut them open at will.

"As you get older you don't like to get reminded that is is your birthday because it is a reminder that you are getting on a bit," he told the BBC. "But this is definitely one that I'll remember.

"It is very rare that you get results and days like this, especially at the champions..here at City, against a Pep Guardiola side. So you have to enjoy it."

Player Ratings

Manchester City: Ederson 6, Walker 5, Stones 5, Akanji 5, Gvardiol 5, Gundogan 6, Lewis 5, Savinho 6, Foden 6, Bernardo 6, Haaland 5 Subs: Ake 6, Grealish 6, De Bruyne 6

Tottenham: Vicario 8, Dragusin 8, Son 8, Bissouma 8, Maddison 9, Udogie 7, Solanke 8, Kulusevski 8, Porro 8, Sarr 7, Davies 8 Subs: Werner 6, Johnson 6, Spence 6, Bergvall 6

Match Highlights

Key Stat

City last lost by four goals or more at home in the Premier League in a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal at Maine Road in April 2001.

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Ange Postecoglou took responsibility for Tottenham's performance levels in the Premier League after their 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys started the afternoon in the relegation zone but went 2-0 up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium through goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap.

Rodrigo Bentancur got one back for the hosts after half-time, but it was not enough as Tottenham fell to their fifth defeat of the season.

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The victory was Ipswich's first win in the Premier League since April 2002, and Postecoglou believes that he needs to get more consistent performances out of his players.

"Hugely disappointing," he told BBC Sport. "We started slow and passively. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

"Second half, we had chances but didn’t do enough to win the game.

"It's just down to me. I’m not getting consistent performances from the players. It’s something I need to address.

"I’m the person in charge, so that’s usually the way it goes. I take responsibility. We can’t give ourselves those kinds of mountains to climb."

Kieran McKenna, Manager of Ipswich Town, celebrates as Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics of Ipswich Town embrace after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Ipswich Town FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Image credit: Getty Images

Postecoglou will now see some players head away on international duty, and he added: "They all go away so there's nothing I can address in the next 13 days until I get them back."

Tottenham are now in 10th, 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Bentancur's goal with 21 minutes remaining gave Spurs hope, but Postecoglou believes Ipswich disrupted the game in a way that officials should be clamping down on.

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"It seems to be the way the Premier League is going [players going down injured to kill time]," he added.

"Clubs are taking strategic time-outs. We just have to cop it. It’s up to the officials, not me."

Kieran McKenna has overseen a remarkable turnaround at Portman Road, leading the club from 12th in League One to their first Premier League victory in 22 years.

He believes the win was a massive moment for the club.

"It's been a long time for the club, 22 years since the supporters saw a win in the Premier League," he told BBC Sport.

"The journey to get to here has been a big one. It feels a bit special today. We believe we’ve been improving.

"We’ve picked up five out of 10 results but were waiting for the first win to validate the work and improvements.

"It’s a massive moment, one to cherish."

Ed Sheeran met the players in the away dressing room after full-time, and McKenna was happy to share the moment with the lifelong Ipswich Town fan.

McKenna said: "He [Ed Sheeran] popped into the dressing room, which is nice.

"We’re wearing the third kit he had a part in designing.

"It was really important [to hang on]. If we’d conceded at the end, it would have been a big blow.

"To get one over the line like that we’ve deserved for quite a few weeks. The players are delighted. They know it’s a win to cherish."

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Yesterday at 00:06

Ipswich Town sealed their first Premier League win since 2002 with a 2-1 win victory over Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday.

Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap were on target for the visitors, who lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with the stunning victory.

Both sides had chances early on, as Brennan Johnson missed from close range before Dominic Solanke had a chance saved, either side of Cameron Burgess clipping the bar with a header.

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Shortly after the half-hour mark, Szmodics put Ipswich ahead - the sixth time they have taken the lead in a game this season - with a brilliantly executed overhead kick after Spurs failed to clear Jens-Lys Cajuste’s cross.

Chasing their first win since their return to the top flight, Ipswich doubled their lead when Delap stabbed home on the line following a mix-up between Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin.

Spurs thought they had found a way back into the game when Solanke turned in from close range just minutes into the second half, but it was ruled out by VAR for a handball.

The hosts got a goal when Rodrigo Bentancur thumped home a header from Pedro Porro’s corner to halve the deficit and give Ange Postecoglou’s side just over 20 minutes to find an equaliser.

But they could not find it as the away side held on for three points, while Spurs slumped to their fifth defeat of the season.

Talking point - Ipswich claim first PL victory since 2002

It has taken them 11 attempts, but Ipswich have finally got over the hump with their first top-flight victory of the season. Not only that, but it takes them out of the relegation zone and up to 17th after overtaking Wolves and Crystal Palace.

Although it took them until November to secure maximum points, they have drawn five and lost five - the same number of defeats as Spurs - so it has not been all bad for the newcomers who can begin their push for survival.

As for Spurs, it was the second time they had handed an opponent their first win of the season after Palace beat them at Selhurst Park at the end of August. Ange Postecoglou’s side are now 10th in the table, 12 points off leaders Liverpool and three adrift of fourth-place Brighton.

Player of the Match - Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town)

The Irishman was a handful for Spurs to deal with on Sunday and he scored the standout goal of the tie with his excellent acrobatic effort in the first half.

And his third goal of the Premier League season made all the difference in the end, as it gave Ipswich the momentum to go and grab a second, while Spurs could not claw themselves back into the contest.

Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric deserves a mention for his performance between the sticks. He made five saves to deny the likes of Son Heung-min and Solanke.

Szmodics

Image credit: Eurosport

Player ratings:

Tottenham: Vicario 6, Porro 7, Romero 6, Dragusin 5, Udogie 7, Sarr 7, Bentancur 7, Kulusevski 5, Johnson 6, Solanke 6, Son 7

Subs: Bissouma N/A, Maddison N/A, Werner 6

Ipswich: Muric 8, Tuanzebe 7, Johnson 6, O’Shea 7, Burgess 7, Davis 7, Cajuste 7, Morsy 7, Hutchinson 7, Szmodics 8, Delap 8

Subs: Clarke 6, Luongo N/A, Hirst 6

Match highlights

Key stat

Spurs have fallen 2-0 down at home to a promoted side in the Premier League for the first time since April 2003, versus Kevin Keegan's Manchester City.

- - -

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

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Crystal Palace recorded their first win of the season against Tottenham a fortnight ago -albeit at home - but could Ipswich take advantage of a wobbly Spurs side too?

The Premier League newcomers are yet to get a win on the board after their first 10 attempts and are the only side in the league yet to pick up three points.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. A win would lift them above Wolves, Palace and out of the bottom three.

Things did not go to plan for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou on Thursday as they were beaten by Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League.

A brace from Victor Osimhen handed the side their first defeat in Europe this season.

Can they respond at home today? They have won all six games since their North London Derby defeat in September.

Kieran McKenna makes two changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Leicester City last time out. Axel Tuanzebe returns to the side following a hand injury, while Jens Cajuste replaces the suspended Kalvin Phillips in midfield.

Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall all make way for a fresh Spurs midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski, while Christian Romero is fit enough to start alongside Radu Dragusin at centre-half.

Spurs are the masters of their own downfall, and Forster can't save them this time! It's a lovely cross from Mertens in the second phase after Spurs give the ball away cheaply once more, and it's floated beautifully into the path of Osimhen, who notches number three!

Dragusin gives the ball away once more and it's fed towards Osimhen on the far side of the area, and he's free, and Forster keeps him out!

Maddison turns neatly and he's away into some space, driving into centre-field. He feeds Son to his left, and he shows tricky footwork to Sanchez, who chops him down. Maddison is over the dead ball, and it's a chance for Spurs to put the ball into the box.

This one will count, however! Spurs are behind once more, and Osimhen does have his goal! Postecoglou's side lose possession once more in the defensive third, and Gala are onto them in a flash. Dragusin is sold short with a pass and clatters Icardi, and Mertens is onto it in a flash, sliding in Osimhen, who pokes it into the corner beyond Forster.

Spurs are fortunate again as Baradkci steals in at the far post to meet an Osimhen inswinger, but he can only direct it wide of the target as the flag is raised.

Gala are on the goal hunt once more, and Sara drives through the heart of the Spurs midfield, gliding past bodies as if they're not there. Osimhen has peeled leftwards in search of some space, and Sara finds him. The Nigerian opens his body up looking to place it into the far corner, but Forster parries. Mertens follows up with a rangy strike, but it's deflected behind. Corner, Gala.

That's exactly what the doctor ordered for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs. That's dampened the home spirit a tad, and they're back in the game. Their first real foray into enemy territory, and they've struck gold. A perfect response.

Spurs are level, and it's the teenager Will Lankshear who's got it! They've silenced the home crowd, and it's fantastic play all around. Son persists well down the left, and Gray picks up the pieces when he gets felled. The left-back picks out Johnson at the far post, and the Welshman has the vision to knock it back across the box for Lankshear, who prods into the roof of the net for his first senior goal!

Spurs are taking a real chance with playing out from the back, and a loose, looping ball from Son falls for Akgun on the edge of the box. The left wing-back strikes, but he lashes it over the bar.

Gala are full of confidence amidst the deafening home support. Torreira slides Yilmaz in down the right, but the wing-back's attempted cross is poor and straight into the gloves of Forster, who gathers.

Spurs are trying to play out from the back, as Forster dallies on the ball for too long after the backpass from Bergvall. He's put under the cosh by Osmihen who presses, Forster slides, and seems to catch the Nigerian, but no penalty awarded.

Tottenham to extend Son contract

Tottenham have yet to agree fresh terms with forward Son Heung-min, but they are set to extend his current deal.

There is an option in his contract for the club to extend his deal for another 12 months, which the Mirror reports will happen.

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The paper claims: “Tottenham are set to trigger a one-year option to extend the contract of club captain Son Heung-min.

“The 32-year-old is in the final year of his current deal and admitted back in September that he had yet to discuss his future with the club.

“Son has become a key player for Spurs since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015. Only Harry Kane has scored more Premier League goals for the club than Son, who has netted 123 times in 310 appearances.”

United and Arsenal track Gyokeres

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Sweden international could follow Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford after the Portuguese replaced Erik ten Hag.

The paper writes: “Gyokeres has scored 20 goals in 16 games across all competitions this term and his form has, unsurprisingly, seen him linked with following Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.

“He has also been linked with Arsenal, too.

“He has taken the unconventional route to stardom, having struggled to make the breakthrough at Brighton & Hove Albion, but it was at Coventry City, under the guidance of manager Mark Robins, where he really made his mark.

“His 22-goal haul during the 2022/23 season saw The Sky Blues go within a penalty shoot-out of winning the Championship play-offs and earning promotion to the Premier League.

“His performances in the Championship caught Sporting's eye and the rest, as they say, is history. He has since been widely tipped to join United under Amorim.”

Edu linked with Nottingham Forest

Edu surprised many at Arsenal on Monday when it was confirmed he would be leaving his role as sporting director at the club.

He has now been linked with a switch to Nottingham Forest, according to The Sun.

The paper states: “The former Arsenal player re-joined as their technical director in the summer of 2019 and was then promoted to sporting director two years ago.

“He has decided to quit following talks about a hierarchy reshuffle.

“The 46-year-old Brazilian is now considering taking up a role under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' stable of clubs, which include Olympiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal.”

- - -

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

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a day ago

Published 04/11/2024 at 13:01 GMT

Here are all the details on how to watch and live stream the UEFA Europa League clash between Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Thursday evening. Ange Postecoglou's men travel to Turkey for the encounter hoping to continue their perfect streak in Europe and to build on two strong results domestically over the last week.

Dominic Solanke of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teamates Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Aston Villa FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 03, 2024 in London, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur face Turkish champions Galatasaray on Thursday night as they hope to maintain their perfect start to their UEFA Europa League campaign.

Ange Postecoglou's side are second in the Europa League table, having taken all nine points available from their first three games.

They are riding high after a 4-1 comeback win against Aston Villa at the weekend and dumping Manchester City out of the EFL Cup, making up for some erratic domestic displays, including a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace last month.

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Opponents Galatasaray have won two and drawn one of their Europa League games so far and sit fifth in the table, two points behind Spurs.

WHEN IS GALATASARAY V SPURS?

Spurs travel to the Turk Telecom Arena to face Galatasaray in the league phase of the Europa League on Thursday, November 7.

Kick-off is at 17:45 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ beginning at 19:00.

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How to watch UEFA EUROPA League on TNT Sports and discovery+?

Galatasaray v Tottenham Hotspur will be streamed live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder Tool.

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Son Heung-min was "never going to play more than 55 minutes" for Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou said as he defended his decision to substitute the forward.

Son, returning from a three-match absence through injury, was a livewire at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and assisted Brennan Johnson for his side's equaliser four minutes after half-time, cancelling out Morgan Rogers' early opener.

But the Spurs captain was taken off seven minutes later, which seemed to leave him bemused - pointing to himself with a confused expression - as he watched his side run home a further three goals to earn an eventually comfortable 4-1 victory against Villa.

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an hour ago

Postecoglou said Son was always going to have limited game-time in the Premier League match, after his rushed return from a previous injury caused a further absence.

"He was never going to play more than 55 minutes," the Spurs boss told BBC Sport. "Last time he came back from injury he got to the 60-minute mark and got injured again. He got through unscathed."

The victory closed Spurs' gap to sixth-place Villa to two points, and helped Postecoglou's side build on their Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, which followed a disappointing 1-0 defeat to strugglers Crystal Palace last weekend.

The Spurs boss said his side did not "feel sorry" for themselves in the wake of the disappointing result at Selhurst Park.

"Seven days is a long time in football," he added. "Seven days ago I was a grumpy old so and so. We have to say true to the course we're on.

"We made sure not to feel sorry for ourselves and back to the team we want to be."

Spurs will look to continue their perfect UEFA Europa League record at Galatasaray on Thursday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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POSTECOGLOU HAILS 'UNBELIEVABLE' SOLANKE

Postecoglou was full of praise for the "unbelievable" efforts of Dominic Solanke, who emerged with two goals in Spurs' win over Villa.

The former Bournemouth striker capped off a fine team move to give his side a 2-1 lead with a dinked finish on 75 minutes, before turning home Richarlison's low cross to give his side a two-goal cushion four minutes later.

The brace took Solanke's goal tally to five for the season across all competitions, and Postecoglou said he "can't speak highly enough" of the forward.

"The goals are great and as a striker I'm sure he loves the fact he's got a couple, but I can't speak highly enough about him and what he brings to this team."

The Spurs striker has yet to hit his goalscoring heights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and last found the back of the net in his side's 3-0 victory over Manchester United in September.

Solanke told Sky Sports he was delighted to be back on the scoresheet: "It's been a few games without [a goal]. I've been trying to get one and I got two. Buzzing with it. Nice dink finish, I enjoyed that.

"When we are playing well we can score many goals and we showed that today. We've had some great games but haven't managed to do it the whole season but we think we're capable of it."

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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...

Premier League

Palace down Spurs for first Prem victory of season

Europa League

Tottenham keep 100% record as Richarlison scores penalty in AZ Alkmaar win