Tottenham edge Cardiff, Villa hit four

Tottenham Hotspur FC kept alive their hopes of earning a top-four spot in the Premier League by defeating Cardiff City FC 1-0 to move within four points of Manchester City FC.

Beaten at Norwich City FC last time out, Spurs returned to winning ways as Roberto Soldado guided a shot into the corner on 28 minutes. Central defender Steven Caulker crashed an effort against the crossbar for Cardiff, but the south Wales outfit were unable to stave off a third loss in four league games and remain second from bottom.

Aston Villa FC moved seven points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a 4-1 home win against Norwich City FC, who took an early lead through Wes Hoolahan. Christian Benteke's 25th-minute volley restored parity and the Belgium forward registered again two minutes later, with Leandro Bacuna and a Sébastien Bassong own goal rounding off the scoring before half-time.

As for Swansea City AFC, they missed out on the chance to go tenth in a 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace FC. Jonathan De Guzmán put the hosts ahead, but Glenn Murray's 82nd-minute penalty – after Chico had been sent off for Swansea – rescued Palace a point.