The moments that epitomised newfound 'passion' at Spurs as win over Aston Villa moves them outside Premier League relegation zone

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Tottenham fans have been craving this type of performance all season long. It was the night the cockerel crowed. As the clock ticked down at Villa Park, they finally started to believe they might avoid Premier League relegation.

Highlights: Spurs record statement win at Villa to boost survival hopes

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Such has been the state of turmoil over these past four months since the turn of the year, some stationed in the north-east corner of the Doug Ellis Stand will have been forgiven for thinking Emi Buendia's stoppage-time consolation would have led to something far more significant - even after the allotted five added minutes had been played.

But for a side that only registered their first Premier League victory of 2026 a week ago at Wolves, the manner in which Spurs put an admittedly under-strength Aston Villa to the sword would have sent tremors to the east part of London and across the Midlands.

Nottingham Forest will have their opportunity to respond on Monday against Chelsea, but all of a sudden, the relegation picture looks a lot more promising for Spurs thanks to first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison which helped them plunge West Ham into the bottom three.

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Speaking to TNT Sports on the pitch afterwards, Gallagher said: "It's been the perfect night, but hopefully it's only the start. It was a great performance, and we want to carry that on for the rest of the season. This is massive for us and hopefully our confidence can start growing."

Spurs were in freefall before Roberto De Zerbi's arrival a month ago, hurtling towards a first relegation from the top flight in 49 years. They still have to save themselves, with remaining games against Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

Spurs wouldn't be in this position had De Zerbi been appointed earlier - Carney

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Nothing is a given, but having collected just eight points in the 16 games prior to this run of seven points out of a possible nine, it is evident how their new Italian boss is swiftly getting his methods across to his players.

When asked about De Zerbi's impact, Gallagher added: "I can't speak highly enough of him. He's been so good. Every player in the squad has taken to him, it makes you trust him. He's bringing the best out of the players. Hopefully, we can keep learning from him and build a great team."

Villa appeared to have one eye on the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest next Thursday, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, and Unai Emery's decision to make seven changes to his starting line-up will be vindicated if they overturn the 1-0 deficit from their trip to the City Ground last week.

As Lucy Ward pointed out on commentary for TNT Sports, however, Tottenham have played with virtually half a team for most of the season due to injuries, and the 11 selected from the off at Villa Park demonstrated the sort of quality that has been lacking for large periods of the campaign.

'Can't speak highly enough of him' – Gallagher on De Zerbi impact

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This is the first time since the opening two matches of the season that Spurs have secured back-to-back league victories - against Burnley and Manchester City under Thomas Frank - and Karen Carney believes the key to the three points on Sunday was the manner in which De Zerbi's players fought for each other.

Joao Palhinha epitomised that with a tackle on Ross Barkley, hooking his leg around the ball to start a counter-attack in one smooth motion, celebrating vehemently towards the bench.

Carney told TNT Sports: "When Palhinha put that tackle in, I spilt my coffee! I was so impressed by the sheer passion and desire to win the ball for his team."

She added: "If De Zerbi had been in for longer, I'm sure they'd not be in this position. Aston Villa were thinking about the semi-final. The door was left open by the West Ham result yesterday [losing to Brentford], and they've taken the opportunity.

"Conor Gallagher was the best player on the pitch. When you don't have the creative players, and when you have so many players out injured, winning the ball through pressing high up the pitch is a weapon. Gallagher was setting the tone and setting the press.

"Spurs were trapping Villa and daring them to play certain passes. Their energy, their passion and desire to win the ball back was second to none. Tottenham look a different side under De Zerbi.

"The travelling fans want to see their team run. Sometimes, things don't go your way, but you want to see passion and desire. You need your team to be aggressive and to fight for each other."

Kolo Muani celebrates with Spurs fans as he comes off

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Such togetherness was on display as Randal Kolo Muani came off during the second half on the opposite side of the pitch to the tunnel.

The French forward whipped up the away support, before high-fiving fans all the way down the front row in a remarkable moment of solidarity that spoke to Spurs' newfound spirit under De Zerbi.

And to make it a hat-trick of hearty moments, Pedro Porro celebrated another tackle as though he had scored.

While West Ham let pass a similar opportunity when drawing at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago when Oliver Glasner's side were coming off the back of the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final against Fiorentina, Tottenham did not do the same when faced with a Villa side that only registered their first shot on target when Buendia halved the arrears in stoppage time.

Speaking alongside Carney, former Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle said: "Tottenham hunted in packs. Gallagher would set off the press, but he would have two or three team-mates with him.

Richarlison fires Spurs into 'dreamland' as Villa fans boo

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"Villa couldn't cope and couldn't get out. OK, they made seven changes, but professional players can't cope sometimes with that sort of pressure. Spurs kept that pressure for 60-65 minutes.

"We can't get away from the fact that in the first half, Tottenham won every challenge. Every time they had possession of the ball, they had spare men.

"That hasn't happened for a couple of years, which is why they've always gone back, but they overloaded Villa in the middle area. There wasn't one bad performance from Spurs today. They were all nine out of 10."

De Zerbi: Gallagher like having 12 players

Tottenham are one point above West Ham, who host Arsenal in their next Premier League fixture.

With Spurs hosting Leeds next weekend, they know they have a golden opportunity to create a four-point gap to the bottom three. Their destiny is in their own hands.

De Zerbi admits Spurs have had 'mental problem' at home this season

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De Zerbi's emotions on the sidelines with his coaching staff were a mirror image of the side he has had to assemble in a few short weeks, but the former Brighton manager is not getting carried away.

He told TNT Sports: "The season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting on Monday night with Leeds, they are playing very well. We can't forget what the situation was before Wolves. It was a very sad situation and these memories have to stay in our heads.

"Just one time we have played at home and the atmosphere was amazing in the stadium. I think it was a mental problem and these two wins, I hope we can play with more confidence and better mentality.

"I'm pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.
The high pressure is mentality and then in possession. We played very well when we had to attack the space or to shoot. I love playing football.

"My job is to help them and show what they are capable of. Gallagher, when he plays well, we play with 12 players. He is an amazing player. Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel played an amazing game. The two centre-backs with and without the ball, I am really pleased."

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