HE'S A NEW VENSATION

Dutch of class helps lift Ange into the top four

- MIKE WALTERS

MICKY VAN DE VEN is as Dutch as windmills, tulips or those giant wheels of Edam.

And Tottenham's 6ft 4in centre-back was the big cheese in town as Spurs moved back into the top four above Aston Villa.

Van de Ven's rocket was the catalyst for Tottenham to turn a hesitant firsthalf display into a commanding one.

At £34.5m, he has been the rock on whom Ange Postecoglou has built 'Big Angeball' in North London.

On the final whistle, he was serenaded with the chorus from KC & the Sunshine Band's classic Give It Up, after being given a chasing by Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood at first but then seeing off the in-form Kiwi.

Before anyone gets too excited about a return to the Champions League, Tottenham's last seven games include dates with Arsenal, Liverpool and - on the last day of term - Manchester City. They will have a big say in the title race.

In return, the top three will have a big say on Spurs' top-four hopes.