Tottenham Hotspur climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone on Sunday after securing a crucial 2–1 away win over an under-strength Aston Villa side.

Villa took an early lead through Conor Gallagher, who scored his first goal since joining from Atletico Madrid in January. However, Tottenham responded strongly and turned the game around before halftime.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made several changes to his lineup ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, a decision that left his side lacking cohesion and allowed Tottenham to take control of the match.

Tottenham capitalised on their dominance when Richarlison scored their second goal just before the break, completing a strong first-half turnaround.

Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time goal offered Villa a late consolation, but it was not enough to prevent a disappointing result for the hosts.

The win, combined with West Ham’s defeat at Brentford on Saturday, gave Tottenham a vital boost in the relegation battle. The result moved them one point above third-bottom West Ham, giving them control of their survival hopes.

Tottenham, now fourth from bottom, have three remaining matches against Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton as they aim to avoid dropping out of the top flight for the first time since the 1977–78 season.

The victory also marked their second straight league win following a 1–0 success over already-relegated Wolves the previous weekend, ending a poor run of form earlier in the campaign.

Despite a long injury list that included key players such as Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, and Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham delivered a disciplined and energetic performance.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi had urged his players to rise above the setbacks, and the team responded with an aggressive pressing style that overwhelmed Villa throughout the first half.

Conor Gallagher opened the scoring in the 12th minute after reacting quickest to a loose clearance, firing a low shot past Emiliano Martinez. Tottenham nearly doubled their lead soon after when Joao Palhinha struck the post with a powerful effort.

Their pressure paid off again in the 25th minute when Richarlison headed home a precise cross to extend the lead.

Villa failed to register a single shot before halftime, drawing boos from frustrated supporters at the break.

Although they improved slightly in the second half, they struggled to break down Tottenham’s defence, with Buendia’s late header proving too little, too late.

The result leaves Villa still in fifth place, six points ahead of sixth-placed Bournemouth in the race for Champions League qualification, while Tottenham continue their push to secure Premier League survival.