Emmanuel Adebayor scored both goals as Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-0 at White Hart Lane tonight to climb to third in the Premier League.
Harry Redknapp returned to the Spurs dugout after missing their last two games due to minor heart surgery and he oversaw his side record their eighth win in nine league games.
On his return to his former club, Darren Bent spurned an early opportunity to put Villa ahead but it was the home side who dominated the opening exchanges.
Goalscorer Adebayor could have opened his account earlier than he did but he miscued his header straight into the ground after being found unmarked by Aaron Lennon's cross.
Defender Younes Kaboul then had a left-footed volley deflected wide but Spurs did open the scoring from the resulting corner.
The ball eventually fell to Gareth Bale, who hooked the ball back into the box for Adebayor to direct into Shay Given's goal with an overhead effort.
He then doubled his tally shortly before half-time with Bale once again the provider.
The Welshman recieved the ball from Luka Modric before finding space for a low cross, which James Collins failed to clear, leaving the former Arsenal forward with an easy tap in.
Adebayor had several chances to complete his hat-trick during the second period, but he twice shot wide when through on goal.
Ex Villa keeper Brad Friedel was rarely troubled in the Spurs net as Harry Redknapp's side secured a comfortable victory.
Joe Fish
