Three most impressive things about Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Villa

Tottenham made one gigantic stride toward the top four with an outstanding collective performance against Aston Villa yesterday. 

I don’t remember the last time I was so fearful and jubilant within a 45-minute span. Villa threw everything at Spurs in the first half, including the kitchen sink, toilet cistern, patio chairs, barbecue, doggie toy. You name it, the projectile was tossed with force at Spurs, specifically with Hugo Lloris in the crosshairs.

But Tottenham, thanks to a newfound, far-reaching resilience, prevailed. Here’s the three most impressive things about Spurs’ pivotal victory.

3. Hugo Lloris’ First Period Heroics

Tottenham would have suffered certain defeat if not for Lloris’ first half heroics. The Frenchman was in invincible form, proving he is still one of the world’s best shot stoppers. Spurs’ captain made a handful of world class saves to keep his side in front going into the interval, an unlikely outcome based on the balance of play.

An odds-defying reaction save off a venomous Jacob Ramsey drive was the showcase stop of a highlight-reel first half. Lloris also thwarted a sizzling long-range John McGinn drive to stave off Villa’s unrelenting advances.

Lloris capped off an immaculate half by parrying Philippe Coutinho’s free-kick effort off the line in the dying embers of the first half. Had it not been for Lloris, Spurs would have shared Arsenal and United’s fate.