Ben Davies is the most unassuming member of this Tottenham Hotspur squad, a man whose many qualities — level-headedness, reserve, self-effacement, an understated intelligence — are not always those you expect to find at the top end of professional football.



But after almost three months out with an ankle ligament injury, he found himself thrust into a role at Villa Park on Sunday he would never have claimed for himself: Spurs’ most important player.



It was an eventful return to the first team, but ultimately a successful one. The Wales left-back had one bad moment early on: he was spun by Anwar El Ghazi, whose cross deflected off him and wrong-footed Toby Alderweireld, who prodded it past Hugo Lloris. But after that Davies settled and defended well, blocking bravely from Douglas Luiz’s effort and heading another ball off the line. He finished with Spurs’ most tackles (five) and blocks (three), as well winning possession back nine...