By Will Butcher
Ossie Ardiles believes Tottenham’s squad coming through unscathed against Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup was crucial.
The former Tottenham player and manager was delighted as Spurs secured a comfortable passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Steve Bruce’s side.
Posting on his personal Twitter account, Ardiles claimed that the “most important” factor of the victory was “no injuries” ahead of Saturday’s clash against West Brom.
Very good result today. Played with, basically, our Reserves. Confortable win. Most important: No injuries. Next round. COYS
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) January 8, 2017
Ben Davies finally broke the Championship giants down by breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining on the clock, with a deft header that crept past new signing Sam Johnstone.
That lead was doubled just nine minutes later, after £30million summer signing Moussa Sissoko did well on the right before centring for Heung-Min Son who dispatched with ease.
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Senior stars Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Son all came through without any injury worries against Bruce’s side, while Dele Alli’s impressive cameo role continued his impressive form.
That takes Mauricio Pochettino’s winning streak at Spurs to six games, after beating the likes of Southampton, Watford and Chelsea in recent matches.
Ardiles will be hoping his old side can continue their sparkling run of form that has seen them rise to third in the Premier League table against Tony Pulis’ Baggies.
A win could see Tottenham leapfrog Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool into second if the Reds lose to Man United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
In other Tottenham news, former Premier League ace Ian Taylor believes this Spurs star was crucial in his side’s win.
