Goals right at the start of each half helped Tottenham to an unlikely but hard-fought victory at Aston Villa. Jermaine Jenas gave Spurs an early lead with a diving header after Brad Friedel parried Aaron Lennon's cross but Villa went on to dominate the first half. Darren Bent made sure Robbie Keane's goalbound shot crossed the line after the restart, again set up by Lennon. Substitute John Carew's late header from a James Milner cross gave Villa hope but Spurs held on for victory.
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"The first goal knocked us back a bit but it looked like we would get a goal, and coming into the dressing room at half-time there was plenty of confidence.
"The second goal was a major setback, we were trying to chase the game and we became ragged and lost composure for next 10-20 minutes, and Tottenham took advantage.
"I felt we would always break them down and a goal was always on the cards, some moments it might not go in for you, but if you can get a few options together it might go for you. We shouldn't have let the setbacks kills us off.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"We're beginning to realise what it takes to win - hard work - and we're doing it now.
"We had one bad patch in the season but its turned now, and we deserve any luck we get.
"We've got Chelsea next week which will be tough, but we've got 35 points now, we're gradually getting ourselves up the table where we want to be."
Man of the match: Jonathan Woodgate - very solid game at the back.
Moment of the match: Spurs' second goal came at an ideal time and was the catalyst for their control in the second period.
Save of the match: Friedel's one-handed stop from Modric on the stroke of half-time.
Attempt of the match: Heskey's header late in the first period that hit the bar.
Talking point of the match: Villa have used just 19 players in the league all season - are they suffering burnout?
Goal of the match: Carew's header at the end was a decent effort from an excellent James Milner cross.
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