Lichaj keeps his place at left back for Villa while Guzan is on the bench. Friedel starts for Spurs. This game is available on watchespn.com and Fox Soccer Plus starting momentarily. Heading into today's penultimate week Villa are 3 points above the drop with a better goal differential then their relegation rivals. A win by Spurs will take them above Arsenal and into third.
Lichaj is actually playing at left midfield. He had a turnover up field that lead to a Spurs break that eventually petered out. Yes, basically every non-German based YA is playing right now it seems.
Lichaj back in the midfield plays a pass just out of reach of Heskey leading to a Spurs break that ends in a goal kick. Lichaj's passing seems to be off. Lennon gets just around Lichaj. back on defense, and gets a cross off that Bale can not head on target.
A long, long Ciaran Clark shot takes a deflection, Friedel can not react, and the ball finds its way into the net. 1-0 Villa
"Lichaj has done well against Lennon today" according to the commentator. Of course just as he says that Lennon cuts past Lichaj, who slips, and Lennon gets to the byline for a cross which is eventually cleared. Still 1-1 with 10 minutes to play.
Game ends 1-1. Lichaj went the distance. Villa will take a 3 point and big goal differential lead over the relegation zone into the final weekend. Spurs are two points and one goal of goal differential behind Arsenal. They are also 1 point clear of 5th place Newcastle while Chelsea can cut their deficit to two points if they win at Anfield on Tuesday.