Tim Sherwood: Aston Villa in "touching distance" of safety

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood believes that his side are within "touching distance" of Premier League safety after defeating Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game on Sherwood's return to Spurs, with the three points moving Villa above Sunderland into 15th place.

Sherwood insists that despite their tough run in, the Midlands club are capable of staying up now that Benteke is finding the net on a regular basis.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Sherwood said: "No-one gave us a chance here or at Manchester City in the next league game. We're within touching distance.

"The club weren't creating chances for Benteke before I arrived. It's about conserving his energy, keeping him high up the field and using him to penetrate teams. The shackles are off him now.

"It's a fantastic result for me and Aston Villa."

Spurs remain seven points off fourth-placed Manchester City, who face Manchester United tomorrow afternoon.