Tottenham’s crucial victory over Aston Villa was marred by the potential injury setback suffered by Micky van de Ven, adding a note of concern to an otherwise positive outcome for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The Dutch international, who has already endured months on the sidelines due to a previous hamstring injury, once again found himself dealing with discomfort in a similar area during the clash at Villa Park.
The second half had just commenced when van de Ven went down, visibly holding his hamstring. Quick to respond, Spurs and Postecoglou swiftly introduced January signing Radu Dragusin as a replacement.
Despite the potential disruption caused by losing a key player, Tottenham managed to capitalize on the situation, scoring two quick goals. James Maddison opened the scoring, connecting with a Pape Matar Sarr cross, followed by Brennan Johnson capitalizing on a Villa error to double the lead.
The turning point came with John McGinn’s red card, further tilting the game in Spurs’ favor. Captain Son Heung-min and Timo Werner sealed the victory with late goals. This crucial win brought Tottenham within two points of Villa with a game in hand, accompanied by an improved goal difference in the intense race for a Champions League spot.
Postecoglou, aware of the potential impact of van de Ven’s injury on their aspirations, provided an immediate update on the defender. Expressing disappointment for van de Ven, he stated, “I’m not sure, he doesn’t think it’s anything too significant. So disappointing for him because he was outstanding again up until that point.” The manager also praised Radu Dragusin for stepping in during a pivotal moment, highlighting his composed 40-minute display in a significant game.
Dragusin’s contribution showcased the importance of squad depth, especially in handling injuries during crucial fixtures. Tottenham has grappled with hamstring problems this season, with Cristian Romero also experiencing a period of absence. The ability of players like Dragusin to seamlessly step into key roles becomes instrumental in navigating the challenges of a demanding season.
Looking ahead, Tottenham faces Fulham at Craven Cottage before the international break, providing an opportunity to regroup and assess the squad. The clash against Luton Town at home awaits them at the end of March, and Postecoglou will be keen to manage the squad effectively to address any lingering injury concerns while maintaining their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League.