Ange Postecoglou insisted on the eve of Tottenham's visit to Aston Villa that Champions League qualification would not be a "golden ticket" to accelerate his side's development, but a statement 4-0 win was a missive boost to their hopes of playing in the competition next season.
Spurs moved to within two points of fourth-placed Villa with a game in hand and Postecoglou's side have the kinder run-in, on paper at least.
