Solanke bags double as Spurs seal big comeback win over Villa

Dominic Solanke scored a second-half brace as Tottenham Hotspur moved within two points of the Premier League top four with a 4-1 win against Aston Villa.

Ange Postecoglou’s side had to battle back from Morgan Rogers’ first-half opener after the Villa man capitalised on defensive errors from a corner.

However, Spurs made their possession and attacking intent tell with Brennan Johnson pulling the hosts level four minutes into the second half.

Postecoglou made the controversial decision to take Heung-min Son off before the hour mark with the game level.

However, Solanke netted twice inside four minutes to put Spurs out of sight and substitute James Maddison completed the win with an excellent free-kick at the death.

Postecoglou will be worried by the well-being of Cristian Romero and Richarlison who both went off injured.

Villa boss Unai Emery will have food for thought after seeing his side cut open in the second half by Tottenham’s attacking play, as they fell to a first away defeat of the season.

Villa head to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, while Spurs are in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday with a trip to Galatasaray.

Tottenham came into the game with questions being asked following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at lowly Crystal Palace last weekend.

However, a midweek League Cup win against a weakened Manchester City side lifted spirits somewhat.

But when Aston Villa capitalised on some hesitant defending to take the lead there was disgruntlement around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the break.

Postecoglou needed that second-half performance, against a good Villa side, to give his team and Spurs fans an evident lift.

Tottenham are now just two points outside the top four with a Premier League home match against Ipswich Town next weekend.

The 27-year-old was bought from Bournemouth for a deal worth £65 million in the summer as Tottenham looked to replace marksman Harry Kane.

With his previous goal coming in September some questions were being asked about Solanke’s suitability to lead the line.

However, two potent finishes against Aston Villa will give himself and Postecoglou a lift and three vital Premier League points.

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario 7, Porro 6, Romero 7, Dragusin 6, Udogie 7, Kulusevski 8, Bentancur 7, Sarr 7, Johnson 7, Solanke 8, Son Heung-Min 7. Subs: Bissouma 6, Davies 7, Gray 6, Maddison 7, Richarlison 6.

Aston Villa: Martinez 8, Cash 7, Konsa 6, Torres 6, Digne 6, Onana 7, Tielemans 7, McGinn 6, Rogers 7, Ramsey 7, Watkins 7. Subs: Bailey 6, Diego Carlos 6, Duran 6, Kamara 6, Philogene 6.

31’ – ONANA HITS POST: Villa come within an inch of taking the lead as Onana rises highest to meet a cross before heading low into the bottom corner. The ball deflects off the post and onto the goalkeeper to save.

32’ –GOAL! TOTTENHAM 0 ASTON VILLA 1 (ROGERS): A Villa corner is flicked on by Porro at the front post into a host of players. Goalkeeper Vicario can only palm the ball into path of Rogers who fires home amid a packed box.

49’ –GOAL! TOTTENHAM 1 (JOHNSON) ASTON VILLA 1: Johnson finds the touch as Son twists and turns to beat two men before floating an inviting ball in for his team-mate to net.

75’ –GOAL! TOTTENHAM 2 (SOLANKE) ASTON VILLA 1: A beautifully worked move from Spurs results in the ball being elegantly played through by Kulusevski to Solanke who calmly chips the goalkeeper.

79’ –GOAL! TOTTENHAM 3 (SOLANKE) ASTON VILLA 1: Spurs break quickly after Sarr wins the ball and picks out Richarlison who squares for Solanke to net inside the box.

90+7’ –GOAL! TOTTENHAM 4 (MADISON) ASTON VILLA 1: Solanke is barged to the ground by Diego Carlos and is awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Madison swings the resulting free-kick around the wall into the net completing the victory.