Lloris Vital as Spurs Ease Past Villa

While Son Heung-Min claimed the Man of the Match award for his hat trick against Aston Villa, there were many who felt that the accolade should have gone to Hugo Lloris. As Sonny himself admitted, Spurs may well have been 3-1 down at half time had it not been for the skipper’s brilliant display between the posts.

It seems that Hugo’s contract extension may have been the best bit of business that the club has carried out this season. Lloris will be vital as Tottenham look to close in on a Champions League place and it also begs the question as to what the club will do when he finally does move on.

Hugo Defiant

Spurs took an early lead at Villa Park but were on the back foot for most of the first half. The home side began to dominate possession and only Hugo Lloris stood in the way. Had it not been for the skipper, Villa would have equalized at least and, the hosts had enough chances to go into the break with a lead.

The second period saw Spurs settle down after Dejan Kulusevski doubled the advantage early on. Aston Villa heads seemed to drop and Steven Gerrard’s men couldn’t offer the same threat that they posed in the first period. Ultimately, the 4-0 scoreline suggests a comfortable win but anyone who witnessed the game in full knows otherwise.

Top Four Challenge on Track

Three points at Aston Villa leaves Tottenham in fourth place and, with Arsenal losing for the second game in succession, Champions League qualification is now in the club’s hands. Just a few short weeks ago, Spurs were outsiders in the top four markets but they are now clear favourites to clinch that final UCL slot.

According to betting odds supplied via Asiabet, Tottenham are ahead of Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham. Naturally, those figures are subject to change and the crucial contest between Arsenal and Spurs on May 12th will have a big say in that Champions League race.

As Premier League results come in, Asiabet’s panel of bookmakers will adjust their figures and provide updates to their readers. There will also be news and opinion articles to digest while visitors can also gain access to those markets.

All sportsbooks on the recommended panel are ready to take on new customers. Following a quick and safe sign up, many will have generous welcome packages waiting on the other side. Ongoing promotions are available in most places and those offers back up some competitive odds.

Other benefits include mobile betting, efficient customer service and the possibility of live streaming some top sporting action. It’s a one stop shop for football betting but can Hugo Lloris guide Tottenham Hotspur to that coveted Champions League place?

A Future Beyond Hugo Lloris

Before Hugo Lloris signed his contract extension earlier this season, the rumour mills were starting to link Spurs with potential successors. Everton’s Jordan Pickford was one name to be widely mentioned but some calamitous displays for the Toffees will surely put him out of the running.

Sam Johnstone at West Bromwich Albion has also been mentioned and it may well make sense to opt for a player who has experience of playing in the Premier League. If the club wants to look overseas, there is some exceptional talent waiting to be picked up. Luis Maximiano is just one of the many names to be linked with a future move to the new White Hart Lane.

It’s very much a step into the unknown and, whoever does take over will have some big gloves to fill. After an initial battle with Brad Friedel for the number one jersey, Hugo Lloris has been the first choice keeper at Tottenham Hotspur for nearly ten years.

Those that follow the club will already be aware of his value. At times, he goes under the radar while other occasions, such as the game against Aston Villa, help to showcase his value to the side.

Spurs fans will know that the race for the Champions League is far from over but, if the club do claim that final top four place, they will be indebted to a certain French World Cup winning goalkeeper.