Brad Guzan was the her for Aston Villa on a night of Carling Cup action that also saw Tim Howard's Everton crash out of the competition.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton
Tim Howard played the full ninety minutes as the injury-hit Toffees bowed out of the Carling Cup. This was their fifth game without a win in all competitions.
Spurs took the lead in the 31st minute with a powerful left-foot shot from Tom Huddlestone. The midfielder half-volleyed the ball home after a right wing cross from David Bentley was missed by teammate Roman Pavluychenko.
Howard performed miracles in the 57th minute, but still saw his team go further behind. The American saved Robbie Keane's penalty attempt, and also saved follow up shots by Bentley, Keane, and Gareth Bale before Keane finally smashed the ball into the top corner of the net.
The frustration for the Merseysiders was evident as Tony Hibbert and Johnny Heitinga were booked for unsporting behavior, with Tim Cahill also being cautioned for dissent.
Everton are currently 14th ranked and will return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host seventh placed Aston Villa.
Sunderland 0-0 Aston Villa (1-3 PK)
Brad Guzan went the distance while fellow American Brad Friedel watched from the bench. The keeper proved the difference between the two teams as he made vital saves all night long.
Jordan Henderson looked to have opened the scoring in the 45th minute, but Guzan made a world-class save to prevent the score.
The Black Cats were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute after Carlos Cuellar was harshly called for handball on a cross by Andy Reid. Kenwyne Jones stepped up, but his shot was weak and Guzan saved easily, diving to his left.
Kieron Richardson broke clear in the 117th minute, and should have passed to Steed Malbranque, who was better placed to shoot. The midfielder took on the shot instead, and again the keeper saved, the ball bouncing off his chest.
The game went to the dreaded penalty shoot-out and the Yank proved his talent by saving from Reid, Henderson and Lorik Cana. The only home penalty scorer was Malbranque, while the visitors had goals from John Carew, James Collins and Ashley Young.
Aston Villa, who are ranked seventh in the Premier League will travel to 14th ranked Everton on Saturday. Sunderland will host relegation threatened West Ham United.
Notes:
Mike Grella did not make the squad as Leeds United beat Bristol Rovers 4-0. |
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