After highlighting the challenges posed by playing three games in six days, Spurs’ Head Coach Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to the side that eased past Aston Villa to take their place in the next round of the Capital One Cup. Despite a number of injuries, AVB was also aided by a squad depth that meant he only had to start with three players that began the game with Cardiff.
Jermain Defoe opened the scoring before the break while Paulinho added his second in two games just after half time. Nacer Chadli then scored his first for the cub from close range before Defoe completed his second double in as many starts.
It was as emphatic as the scoreline suggests with Spurs converting more of their chances for once, to make the result a clearer one.
“We had a great team out there but most of all a great team spirit and motivation,” Andre said.
“It was difficult. Villa were very aggressive, long balls, direct. We recognise they were struggling with injury but they gave us a hard time so we needed that second goal and fortunately for us it happened at the beginning of the second half.
“I think the team is playing very well, we have great strength in the squad but I think above all, great team spirit and ambition to do well.”
The draw for the next round will be made after tonight’s match between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Defoe is a better finisher than Soldado