Played at Venue: White Hart Lane Date: Saturday, 6 February 2010
Tottenham and Aston Villa were unable to boost their hopes of a Champions League spot in a frustrating stalemate. Brad Friedel made five wonder saves to help Aston Villa come away with a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane and stop Tottenham breaking back into the top four.
Tottenham v Aston Villa Match Report
The Villa keeper was the star man on show and single-handedly kept his side in the game as he produced one of his best performances of the season.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp knew the importance of getting all three points following Liverpool's win over Everton but could only watch in despair as his side blew the chance to overtake the Merseyside club.
Tottenham have now won just one league game in 2010 and will have to get back on the winning trail sooner rather than later if they are to play in the Champions League next season.
The home side dominated the opening exchanges and Ledley King blew a golden chance on 13 minutes. David Bentley's corner picked out the Tottenham skipper who was unmarked inside the box but directed his close-range header straight at Friedel.
The Villa keeper kept his side in the game again on 17 minutes after Luka Modric's pass had picked out Peter Crouch whose left-foot shot produced a fine save from Friedel.
It seemed only a matter of time before Tottenham would open the scoring but they were denied once again on 23 minutes when Tom Huddlestone unleashed a powerful 30-yard strike which produced another fine save from Friedel. Modric reacted the quickest to the rebound but saw his shot deflect off Carlos Cuellar for a corner.
Villa finally woke up and could have snatched an undeserved lead on 27 minutes when Heurelho Gomes had to be at his best to deny James Milner's long-range shot and then stop Gabriel Agbonlahor's follow-up.
Villa knew the importance of getting something from the game and were thankful for Friedel producing one of his best displays of the season.
Bentley's free-kick on 40 minutes was flicked on by Crouch to King whose little flick looked destined for the top corner, but Friedel came to Villa's rescue once again with another superb save. Jermain Defoe scooped the rebound over the bar.
No guessing who denied Tottenham once again on 59 minutes when Huddlestone fired another shot from the edge of the box which was tipped away by Friedel diving low to his right.
Tottenham continued to press for the opening goal but were denied once again on 79 minutes when Crouch saw his deflected shot fall just wide of the post.
The home side must have known it was not going to be their day when Crouch missed another sitter on 89 minutes when he was just two yards out, but back-heeled the ball inches wide of the goal.
Tottenham v Aston Villa Highlights Video
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"Every time we pulled the trigger it seemed to take a deflection or hit somebody, but overall I thought we were terrific.
"It's going to be tight for fourth place, it's going to go all the way.
"Liverpool are in good form, it's one defeat in 12 games for us, so we've been in great form, Manchester City are going to be right there and so are Villa.
"There are four teams battling for that fourth spot and maybe even third, who knows? If somebody has a run, anything could happen."
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:
"I'm delighted with my defenders. They also appreciate the players in front of them as well.
"In the second half, at times it was every man to the pump. But it's been a great effort and against a very strong Tottenham side."
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