BIRMINGHAM -- Mauricio Pochettino has encouraged Tottenham fans to dream of a first-ever Premier League title after Sunday's 2-0 win at Aston Villa.

Harry Kane's double ensured a comfortable victory at Villa Park as Spurs closed the gap on league leaders Leicester to two points ahead of the Foxes' home game against Newcastle on Monday.

With eight games to play, Spurs are firmly in the hunt for what would be their first league title since 1961, and their first of the Premier League era.

Pochettino said: "Our supporters have the right to dream. That's the most important thing.

"We are in a good position. But there are eight games to play -- 24 points. It's a lot of points. We are in the race, and this is very important.

"If you compare last season with this season, we should be very happy and proud of our players. Maybe we are ahead of our plans. Why not?"

Pochettino said it was "very important" to get three points against bottom of the table Villa and added: "It keeps the pressure on Leicester. I think we fully deserved the result. I am very pleased with the effort."

The win moved Spurs six points clear of North London rivals Arsenal and seven in front of Manchester City, who both have a game in hand.

But Pochettino rejected suggestions the title battle had become a two-horse title race, saying: "No -- I think mathematically it's possible for a lot of the teams still.

"We will try to win games every week and see what happens. But I think it's too early to put some teams out of the race."

The result was the perfect response to three matches without a win for Spurs -- the most Thursday's 3-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League round-of-16 first leg.

"It is a very difficult period we've come from -- very busy to play every three days in different competitions," Pochettino said.

"We showed good character and personality and the team played very well. It was good to get a winning feeling again after a few difficult games.

"The way we approached the game was good. After five minutes, we created three chances. We showed the right energy and mentality."

Kane's double moved the England striker level with Leicester's Jamie Vardy at the top of the Premier League scoring charts on 19, while Dele Alli assisted both goals, the first with a brilliant quick free kick.

"Harry Kane doesn't only score, he works hard for the team. That's why he is a very special player," Pochettino said.

"Dele was fantastic. You expect that from a player, to be aware and always try to take advantage and to be clever."