Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa as Conor Gallagher stars
Tottenham Hotspur finally made it two in two in 2026 with their 2-1 win over Aston Villa, after going 118 days without a victory, thanks to strikes from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison.
Let us take a look at the five things we learned.
Tottenham are out of the relegation zone
Coming into tonight’s encounter, the task for Tottenham Hotspur was simply to pick up a victory against Aston Villa, as that would see them leave the drop zone.
A loss would simply not have cut it for Spurs, as it would have left them languishing in 18th with three games to go, and would have let West Ham United off the hook following their 3-0 defeat to Brentford.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men stuck to the task and delivered arguably their best performance under the Italian since he took charge.
Not only was this Spurs’ best display of the year, but the win has also seen Tottenham climb out of the relegation zone, now sitting 17th with three games to go.
That victory also puts Spurs in control of their own destiny as we reach the business end of the season – win all your remaining games and Premier League status is secured.
Spurs create from width and aggressive midfield press
There is no denying that Spurs have a long list of injuries to contend with, as nine players were missing from this clash with Villa.
The injury Xavi Simons picked up last time out only compounded Spurs’ misery, as they lost their last natural central creator, raising questions over how De Zerbi would adapt.
However, rather than change formation, he stuck with his usual setup and instead looked to create from wide areas, with Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel driving at defenders and picking passes, while the second goal came from a wide delivery by the Frenchman.
Alongside that, Tottenham pressed high and aggressively, forcing errors, winning the ball high up, and allowing them to find attackers quickly without relying on a traditional playmaker.
That enabled them to move the ball forward with ease, without needing moments of individual brilliance in midfield. It worked superbly for Spurs, and De Zerbi showed exactly why he was so highly sought after by Tottenham.
Conor Gallagher delivers standout Spurs performance
It is not surprising that Conor Gallagher produced his best performance in a Spurs shirt, given Tottenham’s setup against Aston Villa.
De Zerbi clearly played to his strengths with an intense pressing system, and the midfielder responded superbly – scoring, pressing high, forcing errors, winning duels in midfield, and driving play forward.
Spurs need fight and character in this battle, and Gallagher showed exactly that with his display, one that sets a strong platform to build from.
Rodrigo Bentancur key as Tottenham midfield takes control
Midfield often wins you games, and Tottenham’s dominance in that area was clear throughout the evening.
The coordinated press from the first minute cut off passing lanes into Villa’s midfield, forcing them long, while Spurs were able to find their own midfielders with ease, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha excelling in the pivot.
Bentancur, in particular, has galvanised Tottenham since his return, showing composure, rarely being dispossessed, and releasing passes at the right moments.
His influence has been consistent regardless of his partner, and it is no surprise Spurs’ improved form has coincided with his return, although he was forced off with a knock late on. Tottenham will now be hoping it is nothing too serious.
Djed Spence covers in attack as Spurs depth tested
With nine players sidelined, Tottenham remain very short in attack, with just three fit senior forwards in Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Mathys Tel.
Tonight highlighted that lack of depth, as full-back Djed Spence was introduced in place of Kolo Muani with 25 minutes to play.
The versatile left-back did not slot into a defensive role, instead moving straight into the right-wing position Muani had been occupying.
Should any further injuries hit the front line, it could quickly become panic stations in terms of finding replacements.
However, that does not necessarily have to be the case, as De Zerbi could look towards the Tottenham U21s for additional wide options.
Even if they are not ready to start, having them on the bench could boost confidence and provide Spurs with natural wing alternatives.
There is certainly quality within the U21 ranks, and Spurs Web even believes De Zerbi could call on Ryan Thompson to support the team during this run-in.
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