Aston Villa 3-7 Tottenham: Martin Ho still not satisfied as ‘cruel’ Spurs crush hosts

Before becoming Tottenham manager in July last year, Ho was in charge of Norwegian side SK Brann.

In his first nine games, he got seven wins to help Brann finish fourth in the table.

He also created history in the Champions League, leading them to victory in all four of their qualifying matches to become the first Norwegian side to reach the group stage.

His Scandinavian connections are now bearing fruit at Spurs, with five from that region playing a part at Villa Park.

“We’ve been speaking about having more of a ruthless edge with the ball in front of goal because we are creating chances,” said Ho afterwards.

“We had 27 shots – that’s a lot. We probably could have had another five or six [goals] with the chances we created but when you score that many goals, it shows the belief in the team and the confidence through the group.”

Norway duo Blakstad and Gaupset each scored and provided an assist, while compatriot Tandberg came off the bench to score twice. Denmark winger Olivia Holdt also scored one and made one.

The 20-year-old Gaupset only joined Tottenham in January from Brann, while Blakstad, 24, signed from Hammarby four days later.

As for Tandberg, 21, and the 24-year-old Holdt, they came last summer and have also been instrumental in the side’s efforts this season.

Tandberg is their top scorer in the league with six goals, and has two assists, and Holdt just one behind, but has provided three assists.

The exciting forward options has given fifth-placed Spurs hope of pushing for a Champions League place as they joined Arsenal on 29 points – five adrift of second-placed Manchester United, with Chelsea in third.

Even if they miss out, there has been radical improvement under Ho.

Having finished second from bottom with 20 points last season, they are nine better off this time around with six games still left to play.