LONDON: It was party time again for Timo Werner as Tottenham ran up their best away win under Ange Postecoglou by 4-0 to narrow the distance behind fourth placed Aston Villa.

A clash which could be crucial in the joust for the all-important certainty of a Champions League place was decided by two-goal bursts early and late in the second half. James Maddison and Brennan Johnson set Spurs on their way before Villa had captain John McGinn sent off and conceded stoppage-time goals to captain Son Heung-min and Werner.

Werner, 28 last Wednesday, has had a birthday week to remember after scoring his first goal on loan in the previous week’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Tottenham manager Postecoglou has aroused controversy with his daring strategy of all-out attack from a defensive high-line but it paid off against Unai Emery’s team who looked tired in the middle of their a UEFA Conference League tie with Ajax. Villa forced a 0-0 draw in Amsterdam and will need to find new energy when they host Ajax on Thursday.

Postecoglou said: “We were outstanding in all facets of the game. First half we made Villa work really hard, we maintained that tempo with our pressing and the quality of our football in the second half was outstanding. It was a big game with plenty of significance so for us to perform like that was a big credit to everyone.

“It’s not easy, especially away from home, but this means we’re one game closer [to the top four] with just 11 games to go. Everyone billed this as do-or-die so I think I can assume we’re not dead yet.”

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