Tottenham keeper Kasey Keller had been the busier but it was Ferdinand who broke the deadlock on 39 minutes.

Angel was well off target with a 20-yard effort while at the other end Schmeichel punched a cross from Ziege off the head of Ferdinand.

A brilliant solo run by Merson then almost led to Villa breaking the deadlock after 33 minutes.

He picked the ball up 15 yards into the Tottenham half and skipped past three challenges to leave himself with only Keller to beat.

But the American did well to block his low effort away to his right and was then up quickly to also keep out the rebound shot from Kachloul.

But then Tottenham went ahead through Ferdinand’s 11th goal of the season.

A ball from deep in his own half by Ziege was allowed to run on by Sheringham into the path of Ferdinand who found himself with a clear run at goal.

The former England striker saw Schmeichel get a partial block on his shot but it was not enough to prevent it from entering the net.