Tottenham can make the top four, but they must be better to beat Arsenal – Five things we learnt from White Hart Lane

Standard Sport takes a look at what we learnt from Tottenham's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.
Bright future: Dele Alli celebrates after scoring his first Premier League goal at White Hart Lane
Getty
Giuseppe Muro2 November 2015

Tottenham are in form ahead of the North London derby…

This is a big week for Spurs - with Anderlecht at White Hart Lane in the Europa League on Thursday and then Arsenal away on Sunday. They were not at their best here but they remain unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening day.

…but they will need to play better than this at Emirates Stadium.

Spurs should have been out of sight but they let Villa back into the game and had to endure a nervy final 10 minutes. Mauricio Pochettino was a frustrated figure on the touchline and know they must improve against Arsenal.

Player Ratings: Tottenham vs Aston Villa

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Remi Garde has a tough job on his hands…

The new Aston Villa manager was in the stands at White Hart Lane after signing a three-and-a-half-year deal to take over form Tim Sherwood and will be aware he faces a difficult task guiding Villa away from danger. Villa stay bottom, four points from safety. Garde will, at least, be pleased the fight his team showed in the second half.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Dele Alli is getting better with every passing game in a Spurs shirt…

The 19-year-old is having an excellent debut season in the Premier League and looked the part again here. Alli took his goal brilliantly to put Spurs in control just before half-time.

Tottenham are not going away in the race for a top-four finish…

Tougher tests lie ahead but Spurs got the job done in a game that proved tricky against a side looking to impress their new manager. They are up to fifth, a point off fourth and just five behind leaders Manchester City.

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