Aston Villa beat Tottenham 1-0 to improve chances of avoiding relegation from PL

Aston Villa recorded a 1-0 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday to improve their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League, thanks to Christian Benteke's strike in the first half.

Villa manager Tim Sherwood returned to haunt former club Tottenham as he saw his current side open up a six-point cushion over the relegation zone. Sherwood was sacked by Tottenham at the end of last season.

Benteke decided the game for Villa as he nodded in an inviting right-wing cross from Leandro Bacuna in the 35th minute to register his eighth goal in six games, Sport24 reported.

However, victory for Sherwood's men came at a price, with centre-back Ciaran Clark and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who hit the post, forced off by injury and Carlos Sanchez sent off in stoppage time after receiving two yellow cards.

Sherwood said that it was a fantastic result, adding that they carried on from the good performance in the 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers. He said that they thought that they could have a good go, and they did, insisting that he believes that his side deserved to win.

Tottenham's defeat saw them lose ground in the battle for European places, with Southampton moving two points above them - and leapfrogging Liverpool - by winning 2-0 at home to Hull City, the report added.