Tottenham player ratings vs Aston Villa: Conor Gallagher comes up clutch! Midfielder drops clinic to guide Spurs out of relegation zone

Antonin Kinsky (6/10):

Virtually a spectator throughout as Villa barely entered his penalty area, although did flap at one cross. Stranded for the late goal.

Pedro Porro (6/10):

Inverted into midfield as often as he could but not actually as involved as he usually is going forward.

Kevin Danso (7/10):

Operated with a real calmness and helped to progress the play up the pitch, albeit had to be bailed out after one bad giveaway.

Micky van de Ven (7/10):

Some clever bits of defending, utilising his pace and strength - most notably in a last-ditch challenge on Tammy Abraham. Perhaps should have done better to stop Buendia heading home.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

The Italian's underlapping runs were a real problem for Villa, although he was helped by the ineffective Jadon Sancho giving him an easy ride at the other end.

Joao Palhinha (7/10):

Denied an early goal by a miraculous Martinez save. A very tidy midfield performance with a sprinkling of his usual aggression in the tackle.

Rodrigo Bentancur (7/10):

Happy to do the dirty work with Gallagher given the freedom to play further forward, and picked up a booking on his team's behalf as a result.

Conor Gallagher (8/10):

Undoubtedly his best performance yet for Spurs. He led from the front, popping up everywhere and pressing relentlessly. His pinpoint early finish was the highlight of a tireless display - his first goal for the club.

Randal Kolo Muani (7/10):

Showed really good energy and industry on the right flank and was unlucky not to score. Ian Maatsen will be having nightmares about him tonight.

Richarlison (7/10):

Peripheral before popping up to make it 2-0 with a simple header. Didn't really do anything of note after that, either, but he won't really care.

Mathys Tel (7/10):

Like Kolo Muani, caused his marker plenty of problems, and his perfect cross made Richarlison's job easy.

Yves Bissouma (6/10):

Fresh legs in the middle of the park. Did what was expected.

Djed Spence (6/10):

Came on out of position on the right wing. Not particularly effective but helped see out the game.

Pape Matar Sarr (N/A):

Brought on in the dying embers to run down the clock.

Lucas Bergvall (N/A):

Same as Sarr, as he was introduced in the final minute of normal time.

Roberto De Zerbi (8/10):

The best performance yet of his dawning tenure. It was a display that boasted all the hallmarks of 'De Zerbi-ball' and suggests things might just be clicking at the perfect moment for Spurs in their bid to escape the drop.