Solano strike lifts Villa into the top five

Aston Villa beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Villa Park on 22 November to move up to fifth in the Premiership, thanks to a goal from Nolberto Solano.

The Peruvian midfielder, signed from Newcastle United in January, scored the only goal of a tense Monday night game to give Villa their third league win in a row.

Solano in form

Solano has been one of Villa's best players this season. His crossing, passing and set pieces have created chances for the forwards, and he has chipped in with goals of his own, scoring in the wins over Fulham and Portsmouth earlier in the season.

His goal against Spurs was enough to settle a game in which both sides had chances, and Villa's defence, marshalled by Olof Mellberg, held firm to secure a clean sheet.

A good run

The win extends a strong run for David O'Leary's side. Villa beat Portsmouth 3-0 at home and Bolton Wanderers 2-1 away earlier this month, and are now level with some of the clubs pushing for a place in Europe.

O'Leary will be encouraged by the progress his team is making. Last season Villa narrowly missed out on a UEFA Cup place on the final day, and the aim this time is to go one better.

A settled team

O'Leary has been able to pick a settled side for most of the season. Thomas Sorensen in goal, Mellberg at the back and Gareth Barry and Lee Hendrie in midfield have been ever-present or close to it.

Juan Pablo Angel, the club's record signing, has continued to score goals, and young players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor are coming through the ranks at the club's academy.

Hendrie, who grew up in the city and has supported Villa all his life, has been in fine form, scoring in several games this autumn.

Challenges ahead

The fixture list gets harder in the coming weeks. Villa travel to Manchester City at the weekend, and December brings home games against Liverpool and Birmingham City.

The derby at Villa Park next month will be particularly important. Villa have not beaten Blues since the two clubs met again in the top flight in 2002, and O'Leary knows how much ending that run would mean to supporters.

There is still the question of how much money chairman Doug Ellis will make available in the January transfer window. O'Leary has made clear that he would like to strengthen the squad, particularly in attack.

For now, though, Villa fans can enjoy the sight of their team in the top five, with a real chance of European football next season.