Tottenham 0 - Aston Villa 1: Benteke scores winner to hand Sherwood winning return

ASTON VILLA moved a step closer to safety with a crucial win over Spurs thanks to Christian Benteke's eighth goal in six games.

Christian BentekePA

Christian Benteke celebrates his goal

Benteke's first half header was enough for Villa and Tim Sherwood, on his return to White Hart Lane after leaving Spurs at the end of last season.

The defeat means Spurs drop to seventh, seven points off the Champions League places. 

Harry Kane was once again named Spurs captain but he endured a frustrating afternoon as the Villa defence remained resolute.

On the opposite side, Benteke caused Federico Fazio a host of problems with his pace and power and he was rewarded when his fine header from Leandro Bacuna's whipped cross went in.

Mauricio Pochettino brought on Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela to try and salvage something from the match but they were unable to get the breakthrough.

The match ended on a negative for Villa when Carlos Sanchez was sent off for a second bookable offence when he scythed down Danny Rose and he will now miss next Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool.

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