Aston Villa: The brilliant Emiliano Buendia secures victory over Tottenham

Two defeats and three draws have left Villa lurking around the relegation zone after five games – unfamiliar territory for a team that has qualified for Europe for the past three seasons.

But an away win – the first time they have done so in a year – is a sign of marked improvement.

“The substitute players had a great impact today,” Emery said.

“This is the team I want us to be, the team we were last year, and we bring positive energy. We are improving in everything. Today I feel very happy and proud.”

“Individuals must feel confident to give their best – playing with enthusiasm and passion and showing their commitment to the club.”

Villa have moved up to 11th in the table but have games against Manchester City and Liverpool on the horizon.

“This is a big win for Villa,” former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane told Sky Sports.

“To come back and recover the way they did and the winning goal was fantastic. The ball from Cash – it should be the ball of the season. A fantastic goal to win any football game.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp added: “The Villa Harlem Globetrotters have their hands full. Lovely ball from Cash, Lucas Digne still in the air drops it, lovely little flick in and Buendia bends it into the corner.

“He made the difference when he came on. Great goal. Villa were the better team and they deserved it.”