Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win at Tottenham on Sunday, with goals from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins ensuring we came from behind to seal all three points.
It was a frantic first half in north London, with the hosts enjoying the better of the play as they took the lead and were consistently creating chances to try to extend their advantage.
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However, while they were unable to stretch that lead, Villa scored at a crucial moment just before half-time to equalise through Torres, and with Unai Emery’s half-time changes making a key difference too, we were able to turn things around.
Watkins did brilliantly to put us ahead, and while both sides threatened thereafter to add more goals, Villa were able to hold out for the win, and subsequently move into the top four in the Premier League table after a pivotal win away from home against a direct rival.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Tottenham:
Emiliano Martinez, 8.5 – Another decisive display as he produced some crucial saves in the second half that were key in the outcome. Commanded his area well and rushed out when needed too in an all-round top display.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Had his hands full with Gil on that side and he did struggle to limit his threat at times. However, stuck to his task and was part of a strong defensive effort, particularly with the organisation of our offside trap.
Diego Carlos, 8 – A vital presence in the Villa backline with his ability to cut out danger by being a commanding figure as the first man to deal with deliveries into the box. Showed good recovery pace when needed too, and although he was caught out on occasion, overall did well against Tottenham’s threat.
Pau Torres, 8 – Withstood a lot of pressure from Tottenham’s press, but key in his distribution out from the back to get us moving up the pitch and defended well for the most part. Scored a crucial goal too with a great header on the stroke of half-time to get us back into it.
Lucas Digne, 7.5 – Another important shift defensively as Kulusevski was a real problem. Beaten too easily at times but committed and tenacious in his defensive work, while pushing forward when he could to provide width and an attacking outlet.
Matty Cash, 6 – Energetic and imposed himself on the game with his tenacity, but was affected by the yellow card for his challenge on Bentancur and couldn’t really sustain it. Replaced at half-time.
Boubacar Kamara, 8 – Walked a tightrope after his booking, but managed the game well. Classy in his technical ability on the ball as he was composed and calm even when under pressure, while he was tireless in his work-rate in midfield to get us a foothold in the game. Will sit out at Bournemouth next weekend due to suspension.
Douglas Luiz, 8 – A simply superb delivery for our first goal, as he whipped in a brilliant ball that found Torres. Not as influential as we know he can be over the course of the 90 minutes, but still put in an important shift to help us turn things around.
John McGinn, 8 – Similar story in terms of his booking perhaps impacting his influence, but his energy, combative nature and quality in possession began to be more telling as the game went on as he grew into it and was a fundamental presence as we turned things around.
Moussa Diaby, 6 – Didn’t look sharp enough in certain situations on the counter attack as he needs to be more ruthless. Replaced at half-time after a very limited impact in the opening 45 minutes.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Had one effort ruled out on a painfully close offside call, and although his hold up and link-up play wasn’t as sharp as it usually is, he stayed focused and eventually proved to be the match winner. Excellent in the lead up to his goal, and showed a great touch and finish to put us 2-1 up.
Substitutes:
Youri Tielemans, 8 – A classy impact in the second half. Always willing to receive the ball, giving us more control and calmness in possession to find our rhythm and play at our tempo. Provided the assist for Watkins’ goal too.
Leon Bailey, 7 – Added pace and a counter-attacking threat after the break, with his ability to run in behind keeping Tottenham alert to that danger. Wasn’t able to be decisive despite having some dangerous openings, with one effort hitting the post as he went close.
Jhon Duran, N/A
Jacob Ramsey, N/A