Jol delight at Defoe double
Defoe took his tally for the season to 12 with two goals against Villa, one of a number of clubs he has been linked with during more frustrating times for the England international.
Spurs’ run of wins at home now stands at 12 too, although a draw looked likely until Defoe’s second-half double.
Jol said: “He was the difference. Simple. Jermain was probably the sharpest player this season, that is why he started most of times. When asked if he would sell Defoe, Jol said: “Never.”
Defoe, 24, started the season on the bench but has been given a run in the team and recently claimed he is approaching top form. He and Berbatov are developing an understanding and the Bulgaria striker set up both goals, the first coming in the 58th minute when he slid his team-mate through to finish calmly.
The second came with 14 minutes remaining after Berbatov flicked on and Defoe lashed home at the near post with confidence.
With Robbie Keane out with a knee injury and Mido not in the matchday squad due to a groin complaint, Defoe’s partnership with Berbatov offers hope of challenging for the Champions League place that they missed out on last season on the final day of the campaign.
The duo sparked the game into life after a first half short on quality, despite the effort of the Spurs strikers.
One chance Berbatov had in the opening half resulted in Olof Mellberg and Aaron Hughes colliding, with the latter carried off on a stretcher. Mellberg was taken off at half-time.
Despite their patched-up defence, Villa remained in the game and pulled a goal back 10 minutes from full-time when Barry held off Michael Dawson and finished Paul Robinson.
“In the first half we lacked a bit of support play, Steed Malbranque did that in the second half and that was a bit better,” Jol added.
“Overall we deserved the points especially against a good Villa team who most of the time do well away from home. Luckily enough we could give everyone a good Boxing Day present.”
Villa have now failed to win in eight matches and boss Martin O’Neill hopes confidence is not draining after a positive start to their season.
“We’ve got to be careful, the younger players are learning and having to learn pretty quickly,” said O’Neill.
O’Neill is looking to add to his squad when the transfer window opens next month.
TOTTENHAM: Robinson, Chimbonda, Lee, Dawson, King, Malbranque, Zokora, Huddlestone, Ghaly (Murphy 69), Defoe (Davenport 89), Berbatov.
ASTON VILLA: Kiraly, Mellberg (Osbourne 46), Hughes (Ridgewell 36), Cahill, Gardner, Barry, McCann, Petrov (Bouma 46), Davis, Agbonlahor, Baros.
Referee: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
