Spurs squandered a bright start, slipping into their worst Premier League opening ever. They eventually scraped two late consolation goals, but those came after the damage was done. For my money, the club’s own complacency is to blame.
Villa finally broke their drought, snatching the lead in first‑half stoppage time while Tottenham were reduced to ten men. In the second half, Unai Emery’s side stood firm at the back and struck sharply on the break, with Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendía delivering decisive blows. Johan Manzambi added a third, signalling promise for the revamped squad.