Tottenham Hotspur’s search for their first Premier League victory of the season continued as Aston Villa secured a 3-2 win in north London. Here are my player ratings for the game.
Tottenham Hotspur’s search for their first Premier League victory of the season continued as Aston Villa secured a 3-2 win in north London.
Spurs controlled 64% of possession and attempted 20 shots, but Villa punished Roberto De Zerbi’s side with goals from Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Buendía. Late efforts from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke ultimately arrived too late to rescue a point.
Here are my player ratings,
Antonín Kinský – 5
He made a couple of saves but will be disappointed by Jackson’s goal, which found its way beyond him after he initially got a hand to the shot. Given little chance by Buendía’s superb strike.
Pedro Porro – 4
His return lasted only 19 minutes before an injury forced him off. Was lively in those 19 minutes.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 6.5
Struggled badly when Jackson lifted the ball over him in the build-up to Villa’s second goal. Improved late on and gave Tottenham brief hope by heading home Robertson’s cross in stoppage time.
Micky van de Ven – 6
Produced several important recoveries and used his pace to cover behind Tottenham’s high defensive line.
Andrew Robertson – 6
Offered attacking width and eventually assisted Van Hecke’s goal, but an error contributed to Villa breaking the deadlock. Was also offside before Kudus’ second-half goal was ruled out.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Helped Tottenham dominate possession and moved the ball efficiently during a promising first half. However, faded as the game went on, allowing time and space for Villa to operate in.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
One of Tottenham’s stronger performers. Played with intensity, competed well in midfield and regularly looked to move possession forward.
Sávio – 7
Tottenham’s best player. Constantly tried to beat his man, created chances, and posed a genuine threat from wide areas. Continued pushing until the final whistle and was heavily involved in Spurs’ late pressure.
Mateus Fernandes – 5
Again in the number 10 position but never really looked comfortable there, more of a deeper midfielder. Withdrawn at half-time as De Zerbi introduced Kudus.
Omar Marmoush – 6
Showed flashes of quality and produced some promising combinations, particularly before half-time.Faded as the game went on and never looked likely to score.
Dominic Solanke – 5
Unable to convert the opportunities which came his way. Replaced by Maddison after 66 minutes.
Substitutes
Archie Gray – 6
Introduced early following Porro’s injury and delivered a composed performance in an unfamiliar situation. Kept possession well but was occasionally exposed defensively.
Mohammed Kudus – 7.5
Made an immediate difference after entering at half-time. Thought he had equalised before VAR ruled the goal out for offside, then created Gallagher’s goal with a driving run and cutback.
James Maddison – 6.5
Added creativity after replacing Solanke, although unable to produce an assist or goal to bring Tottenham back into the game. The ball progressed better with him on the field.
Conor Gallagher – 6.5
Only introduced in the 84th minute and scored Tottenham’s first league goal of the season two minutes later.
Lucas Bergvall – 6
Given limited time to make an impact but played with energy during the late push for an equaliser.
Spurs (4-2-3-1): Kinsky, Pedro Porro (Gray 19), van de Ven (c), van Hecke, Robertson, Tonali (Gallagher 84), Bentancur (Bergvall 84), Savio, M Fernandes (Kudus 46), Marmoush, Solanke (Maddison 66). Substitutes (not used): Dubravka, Senesi, Tosin, Udogie.
