Half-Time Report: Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Ciaran Clark
© PA Photos
Tottenham Hotspur were unable to turn their domination into goals during the opening 45 minutes at Villa Park this afternoon.

Despite being on the back foot for a large part of the half, hosting Villa created the first chance of the game in the tenth minute when Emile Heskey was put through on goal by Stephen Ireland. However, Younes Kaboul retreated to deny the former England international's effort.

Emmanuel Adebayor had Tottenham's first chance moments later, but he dragged his effort from 20 yards out wide of the target.

Spurs created another opportunity in the 30th minute when Rafael van der Vaart crossed for Gareth Bale. However, the Welsh international sent his header from close range wide.

Against the run of play, Villa broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Ciaran Clark tried his luck from 25 yards out and ball deflected into the net via a deflection off Spurs defender William Gallas.

The away side continued to create chances in the closing stages, with Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on hand to deny Bale's strike that was heading for the top corner.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025