Was this outcome inevitable?
Every chance Tottenham created only widened the gap for a counter‑attack.
De Zerbi called his side “too fragile” after the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
Spurs led comfortably until Manzambi’s gritty opener, then Van de Ven’s treatment left them a man short and they never recovered.
Jackson and Buendía’s strikes pushed the visitors to a 3‑0 lead.
With a three‑week break ahead, De Zerbi’s men still lack a league win, despite Gallagher and Van Hecke finally scoring.
After splurging over £300 million, Spurs linger in the bottom three with no relief in sight.
Tottenham have failed to win any of their last 36 games when they concede first, making the half‑time picture bleak.
They controlled the first 20 minutes, but Suzuki’s saves left them exposed without a goal.
Consequently, a Villa goal in injury time felt almost unavoidable.
Robertson’s corner slipped to McGinn, and after Kamara’s effort, Manzambi tapped in, worsening Van de Ven’s facial injury.
Some fans left for refreshments before half‑time, while thousands stayed to watch the collapse.
Supporters streamed out after Buendía’s 25‑yard rocket, missing Gallagher and Van Hecke’s late strikes.
De Zerbi admitted: “We must stop conceding first, stay compact and communicate better.”
He reshuffled, placing Bentancur at centre‑back and Fernandes in midfield for ten‑man periods.
In the second half Kudus’ off‑side goal highlighted fatigue as Villa increased long‑ball usage by 86 %.
We’ve held many meetings, yet repeats like Newcastle’s first‑half promise followed by defeat persist, he said.
He stressed leadership and compact defending are essential when down to ten.
“I’m deeply disappointed,” he confessed, “we cannot lose like this, especially that second goal.”
Villa fans chanted “Sacked in the morning” as De Zerbi seemed out of ideas at 2‑0 down.
It’s Spurs’ poorest top‑flight start since 2008‑09, matching a two‑point tally after five games.
Ramos was sacked after three more losses, Redknapp later lifted them to eighth; Spurs now have five winless starts since 1986.
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray believes De Zerbi needs patience.
“He’s building something; stats show more shots, possession and box touches in recent games,” he told BBC.
“Those are positives – give him time, the signs are there for a turnaround,” Murray added.
Kudus thought he equalised at the hour, but Robertson was ruled offside; seven minutes later Jackson finished from Suzuki’s long ball.
Villa’s £250 million rebuild was forced by high‑profile departures.
Expectations shifted, and Europa League winners were bound for a transition phase.
A first league win was crucial after three defeats in four opening matches.
While Villa stabilises as new signings settle, Spurs’ £300 million outlay hasn’t solved their woes; they sit 19th after Saturday.
Tonali’s £100 million fee was eclipsed by Villa captain McGinn, a £2.75 million Hibs purchase eight years ago.
Savio was repeatedly denied by Suzuki, and Marmoush, brought in for goals, delivered none.
De Zerbi said he avoided post‑match talks, urging national‑team players to focus on work.
He added that Maddison, Gallagher, Solanke, Adarabioyo, Senesi and Savio must improve their fitness, which he disliked in this game.
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Joe Cole questioned Tottenham’s £302 million transfer binge.
After Tonali, £85 million bought Fernandes, who was subbed at half‑time and criticised, while £75 million fetched Savio from City.
Marmoush’s £60 million loan‑to‑buy must soon justify its cost as Spurs seek instant returns.
Cole told TNT: “Spurs dominate, chances rise, tension builds, then they just want the break.”
He continued: “When anxiety hits, decisions become rash – Van de Ven’s exit was mishandled.”
“Villa defended well but didn’t deserve to go a goal down, and that deflated us,” he said.
“Spurs aren’t picking points; a club flirting with relegation twice, I think they’ve overpaid on every summer signing.”
De Zerbi defended the summer spending despite the slump.
“I’m happy with the squad, but the market was long and the situation kept changing,” he explained.
“Financial fair play constraints limited our options; we didn’t sell players we could have.”
“We know our players’ traits; if decisions didn’t differ, it was because we couldn’t change them.”