Analysis: De Zerbi channels positive performance

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Roberto De Zerbi had demanded all negative thoughts be dismissed as he attempted to salvage safety in this wretched, turbulent season for Spurs.

And the Italian's message looked to have been received loud and clear on and off the pitch on what might yet be viewed as the most important night of the club's season.

Even before kick-off, when the Spurs players came out to warm up, they were greeted with deafening roars from the packed away section at Villa Park.

The response on the pitch was also outstanding as they tore into Villa from the first whistle, pressing high to force goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and his defenders into poor clearances and uncertainty.

Spurs suddenly looked like a team bursting with self-belief and confidence as the hosts, closing in on a place in next season's Champions League, were run ragged.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur ruled midfield with quality and physical presence, while the tireless Richarlison never allowed the Villa defence a moment's peace.

On the rare occasions Villa did threaten, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso held firm at the back. Even Emi Buendia's goal in the sixth minute of added time came far too late to make Spurs nerves jangle.

This was a complete performance from De Zerbi's men in what looked like one of their most hazardous fixtures, offering a shaft of light after the dark clouds that have hung over them for most of the campaign.