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.
Liam Apicella
