Aston Villa 1-0 Spurs

[andy villa]

Aston Villa continued their push for Europe with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham.

A goal from Juan Pablo Angel after three minutes condemned Spurs to defeat - but at least they are now safe from relegation.

Aston Villa striker Peter Crouch returned to the starting line-up with Darius Vassel suffering from a hamstring strain.

Crouch partnered Angel up front while manager David O'Leary also drafted in Liam Ridgewell at the back for Ronny Johnsen.

Tottenham striker Robbie Keane retained his place in the team after withdrawing from the Republic of Ireland squad because of dizziness.

Dean Richards returned in place of Ledley King while Jermain Defoe was preferred to Johnnie Jackson.

Villa made the breakthrough with the first meaningful attack. Thomas Hitzlsperger delivered a free kick to the back post and Gareth Barry headed across the face of the goal. Angel was left unmarked and had a simple task of heading home to get Tottenham off to the worst possible start.

Then Hitzlsperger launched the ball forward into the path of Angel but he had strayed offside.

Villa kept up the pace and Hitzlsperger tried his luck from 25 yards without success when Nolberto Solano was clear to his right.

Tottenham defender Richards could have equalised for his side in the 21st minute. He got on the end of a free-kick from Jamie Redknapp only to send a powerful header over the top.

Then Simon Davies found Defoe at the back post. He headed back across the face of goal but goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen was able to take a comfortable catch.

Villa continued to look dangerous going forward and Angel headed over from a good position following a free-kick from Hitzlsperger.

Ulises De La Cruz powered forward for the home side but his well-struck shot was blocked by Anthony Gardner.

Tottenham carved out a half-chance in the 47th minute when Brown picked out Fredi Kanoute, but his header was off target.

Villa hit back immediately, and Hitzlsperger rattled the bar from 18 yards after Solano had laid the ball into his path.

Then Barry and Gavin McCann both made space on the edge of the area only to see their respective thunderous efforts go wide.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe carved out a good chance in the 77th minute only to see his effort from the edge of the area go wide of the post.

Play switched back down the other end, and substitute Marcus Allback should have extended Villa's lead - but his weak shot found only the arms of goalkeeper Kasey Keller.