Tottenham Hotspur enter the international break sitting in the relegation zone after losing 3-2 at home to Aston Villa, according to match reports. Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain winless in the Premier League after five matches following goals from Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson, and Emi Buendia at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham’s Worst Start to a Premier League Season
According to match statistics, Spurs have earned just two points with a goal difference of -6 from their opening five fixtures, marking their worst start to a top-flight campaign since the 2008-09 season, when they also collected two points but held a -3 goal difference. The club has now lost 22 home league games since the start of the 2024-25 season, leaving them just one short of the 23 home defeats recorded across their previous four campaigns combined. Furthermore, data shows Tottenham have failed to win any of their past 48 matches in all competitions when conceding the first goal, drawing 11 and losing 37.
How Aston Villa Secured the Win in North London
Villa claimed their first victory of the season after weathering early pressure from the hosts, who forced goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into four saves within the opening 20 minutes, according to match accounts. The deadlock broke in first-half stoppage time when Spurs captain Micky Van de Ven left the pitch to receive treatment for a face injury following a challenge involving Tyrone Mings. Taking advantage of the extra man, Aston Villa attacked down the left flank, allowing Johan Manzambi to poke in his first goal for the club.
Mohammed Kudus thought he had equalised around the hour mark when he finished an Andy Robertson cross, but VAR disallowed the effort for offside. Shortly after, Nicolas Jackson doubled Villa’s lead by beating Van de Ven in a duel and firing a low shot into the bottom corner. Emi Buendia added a third in the 79th minute with a strike from 25 yards that triggered chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from visiting supporters, according to pitchside reports. Late goals from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke reduced the deficit for Tottenham, but the referee blew the final whistle shortly after the restart.
Manager Reaction and Upcoming Fixtures
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted after the match that he did not speak to his players immediately following the defeat, stating he felt too frustrated with the performance. “Maybe it’s better, I didn’t speak with the players today because I didn’t want to say anything,” De Zerbi told reporters. Meanwhile, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery praised the contributions of Zion Suzuki and Nicolas Jackson, highlighting their squad commitment and gradual improvements over recent weeks. Tottenham now face a three-week wait during the international break before returning to league action.
Did You Know?
Tottenham Hotspur have now gone five league games without a win at the start of a season for the first time since 1986, according to historical club records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Tottenham and Aston Villa?
Who scored the goals for Aston Villa?
Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson, and Emi Buendia scored for Villa.
Where do Tottenham sit in the Premier League table?
Following the defeat, Tottenham sit in the relegation zone after picking up two points from their first five matches.
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