Devastating finishing power is sweet tonic for Ange revolution

FOR all Tottenham's improvement under Ange Postecoglou, the head coach has said over and over again that his side are still a work in progress in the final third, so a second-half dismantling of Aston Villa was an important step forward.

- Dan Kilpatrick

A clinical and deserved win boosted Spurs's chances of finishing the season in fourth place- although Postecoglou (right, yesterday) will continue to aim higher in perhaps their most complete performance under the Australian.

It may prove a significant juncture in the battle for Champions League football, as Spurs moved to within two points of Unai Emery's fourth-placed side, with a game in hand.

Most pleasingly for Postecoglou, well-taken goals from James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Heung-min Son and Timo Werner suggested that Spurs are finally clicking in attacking areas, which bodes well for the run-in.

"I keep saying that's the area where I don't think we've got bang for our buck, considering how hard we work in that front third," Postecoglou said.

Over an up-and-down winter, Spurs have struggled for rhythm and lacked fluidity in attacking areas, so often a yard, a pass or a second short.