Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday as Dean Smith’s men produced a lacklustre and disappointing performance in north London.
Villa were on a high after our win over Man Utd at Old Trafford last weekend, but we couldn’t build on that to claim another major win this season.
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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored the opener for the hosts before Ollie Watkins dragged us level, but just minutes later an own goal from Matt Targett put Tottenham back in front as they held on for all three points.
It was a poor display across the board from Villa who never really got going, and so there will be a lot to think about over the international break for Smith and the players.
Villa player ratings vs Tottenham
Emiliano Martinez, 6.5 – Made a string of key saves throughout the game to keep the score down, and can’t be faulted for either goal. A little loose with his distribution today though.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Did well for the most part as he stood up amid heavy Spurs pressure and kept things tight. Was beaten at times too but felt he was the most reliable figure at the back.
Kortney Hause, 5 – Started well, but was sloppy on the ball and struggled to contain the movement and threat of the Tottenham attack. A definite step backwards after his recent impressive form.
Tyrone Mings, 5.5 – Similarly to Hause, wasteful in possession and struggled defensively at times. Did make a crucial block on a goal-bound effort and battled throughout to keep us in the game.
Matty Cash, 6 – Energetic and committed as always down that right flank. Whipped in a couple of dangerous deliveries but otherwise struggled to make a decisive contribution.
John McGinn, 5.5 – Not up to his usual high standards as he was dispossessed on a few occasions and gave the ball away too. A couple of speculative efforts on goal, but not one of his best performances as he struggled to get us a foothold in the game.
Douglas Luiz, 5 – With Villa ultimately losing the midfield battle, it was a struggle for the Brazilian ace as he couldn’t dictate the tempo and control things, particularly in trying to get us quick transitions into attack.
Jacob Ramsey, 5 – Like many of his teammates, this wasn’t at the same level of performance as we’ve seen in recent weeks. Had his moments where he looked a threat, but wasted some dangerous situations too and didn’t emerge as a problem for Spurs.
Matt Targett, 5.5 – Unfortunate with the own goal as his last-ditch effort to stop it from going in ended up sending it into the back of the net. Otherwise, it was a hard-working display despite coming under intense pressure down that side.
Danny Ings, 5 – Question marks are arising over his suitability and adaptability to this system, as while his work ethic is second to none, he isn’t providing a threat in the final third for us barring a couple of half-chances. Struggled to really influence things and so if Villa do switch system next time out, he could be the one to make way.
Ollie Watkins, 6 – Got his first goal of the season in what was our first genuinely impressive move of the game, and worked tirelessly off the ball as always. Not quite as effective with his pressing in this system though, looks more comfortable as the spearhead in a front three.
Substitutions
Emiliano Buendia, 5.5 – Showed desire to get on the ball and try to make things happen in the latter stages, but couldn’t produce a telling contribution.
Bertrand Traore, 6 – Looked dangerous after coming on as he provided a more direct threat.
Cameron Archer, N/A