Sheringham justified his return to the side

Tottenham finally ended their Villa Park hoodoo thanks to a single strike by veteran striker Teddy Sheringham.

Sheringham's right-volley from close range brought Spurs' 16-year wait for a win at Villa to an end.

And three points keeps the Londoners in the hunt for a European place.

Villa however failed to find their feet in front of goal, and that remains the reason for their indifferent Premiership form.

Spurs took the game to Villa and Simon Davies' prowess in midfield saw them dominate the opening 10 minutes.

To come here and put them out of their stride and keep us going is a big result for yesterday. Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle Full match reaction

Last week's hat-trick hero Robbie Keane also looked lively.

But Villa's Ronny Johnsen stood tall to snuff out his threat early on.

Graham Taylor's side did eventually remember they were playing at home, not least because of their vociferous fans.

Youngster Stefan Moore's low cross in the 17th minute found Dion Dublin prowling at the near post, but his shot was deflected wide by Dean Richards.

Nevertheless, it was the visitors who finished the first half on top, and indeed had the ball in the net.

KEY MOMENTS

7 mins: Keane solo effort saved 17: Dublin effort deflected by Richards 69: Sheringham volleys to score winning goal

Keane got the ball past Enckelman but the referee ruled the goal out as Teddy Sheringham was judged offside.

Graham Taylor made his intentions clear in the second half with a double Villa substitution.

Defender Ulises de la Cruz replaced the ineffective Lee Hendrie while Darius Vassell came on for Moore.

At one end Ian Taylor missed the sort of chance he would normally put away and they go straight down the other end and score Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor Full match reaction

But it made little difference, and Spurs eventually broke the stalemate in the 69th minute.

Stephen Carr's run down the right found Sheringham unmarked and he volleyed home from six yards.

De la Cruz made a last-ditch attempt to save the game for the home side but his drive was halted by Keller.

And Tottenham soaked up the pressure to take away a rare three points.

Aston Villa: Enckelman, Delaney, Mellberg, Johnsen, Samuel, Hitzlsperger, Hendrie (De la Cruz 45), Taylor, Barry, Dublin (Crouch 78), Moore (Vassell 45).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Postma.

Booked: Delaney.

Tottenham: Keller, Taricco, King, Richards, Carr, Poyet (Freund 81), Anderton, Davies, Bunjevcevic, Sheringham, Keane.
Subs Not Used: Sullivan, Perry, Iversen, Acimovic.

Booked: Anderton, Bunjevcevic, Keane.

Attendance: 38,576

Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).