Tottenham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with an impressive 2-1 win at Aston Villa, giving Roberto De Zerbi’s survival bid another major boost.

After West Ham’s defeat to Brentford on Saturday, Spurs knew victory would lift them above the Hammers, and they grabbed the chance with one of their best displays of the season. Despite missing key forwards Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke, Tottenham looked sharp from the first whistle and fully deserved their lead.

They went in front after 12 minutes when Conor Gallagher scored his first goal for the club, drilling a low effort into the corner from distance. João Palhinha nearly doubled the advantage soon after when his swerving strike hit the post, but Spurs did not have to wait long for a second. Richarlison powered home a header from Mathys Tel’s cross in the 25th minute to cap an excellent first-half showing.

Villa, who made seven changes following their Europa League semi-final defeat to Nottingham Forest, never looked settled. With one eye clearly on Thursday’s second leg, Unai Emery’s side were flat and struggled to create anything meaningful for long periods.

Tottenham, meanwhile, defended with discipline and carried a threat on the break whenever space opened up. Villa finally found a response deep into stoppage time when substitute Emi Buendia headed in, but it was only a late consolation.

The result moves Spurs one point clear of West Ham with three matches remaining, while De Zerbi now has genuine hope of pulling off a remarkable escape.

Incidents: The story of the match

Aston Villa Official Line-ups:

Emiliano Martínez, Matty Cash, Lamare Bogarde, Tyrone Mings, Victor Lindelöf, Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Youri Tielemans, Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers

Tottenham Official Line-ups:

Antonín Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Mathys Tel

1':

The match begins

12':

GOAL Tottenham: Conor Gallagher (Tottenham) scores!

Conor Gallagher scores goal number 1 in the competition (13 matches)

Richarlison de Andrade scores, making it 0-2, assisted by Mathys Tel.

25':

GOAL Tottenham: Richarlison (Tottenham) scores!

Richarlison scores goal number 10 in the competition (29 matches)

Emiliano Buendia scores, making it 1-2.

90 +6':

GOAL Aston Villa: Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa) scores!

Emiliano Buendía scores goal number 6 in the competition (33 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match