What Mathys Tel was spotted doing immediately after Tottenham lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup

Mathys Tel Faces Tottenham’s Injury Crisis Head-On, Impresses in First Start

If he wasn’t already fully aware of the challenges that come with playing for Tottenham Hotspur, new signing Mathys Tel is certainly getting a crash course now. Since his arrival in North London, the talented youngster has been thrown straight into the deep end, facing the reality of a squad plagued by injuries.
The 18-year-old forward was handed his first start for Spurs in their FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, filling in for Richarlison, who became the latest casualty in the club’s ongoing injury crisis. The Brazilian’s muscle injury left Ange Postecoglou with zero senior attacking options on the bench when his team was chasing the game at Villa Park. This dire situation further highlighted just how stretched Tottenham’s squad has become.
Given the circumstances, it’s no surprise that Tottenham’s January signings—Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, and Tel—have all been thrown into the starting lineup immediately. Postecoglou has had little choice but to fast-track their integration, and in Tel’s case, he has already begun repaying the faith shown in him.
Despite Spurs falling to another disappointing defeat, the young striker made an immediate impact, scoring a late goal against Villa that showcased his quality. With Tottenham now having a week before their next match against Manchester United, Postecoglou will be desperate to recover some of his key players before Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford. However, even if reinforcements return, Tel has made a strong case for keeping his place in the starting XI.

Mathys Tel and Ange Postecoglou Show Appreciation for Spurs’ Travelling Fans

After the final whistle at Villa Park, Tel continued to win over the Tottenham faithful with his actions off the pitch. Despite the disappointment of the defeat, the young forward, along with Ange Postecoglou, made a point of acknowledging the travelling Spurs supporters who had made the journey to the Midlands.
Journalist Nizaar Kinsella took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the moment, noting that both Postecoglou and Tel stayed out on the pitch longer than any other players and staff to applaud the away fans. It was a small but classy gesture, showing that the new signing understands the importance of keeping the supporters onside, especially during such a challenging period for the club.
Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker was also impressed by Tel’s performance, and the young forward’s attitude both on and off the pitch will certainly have endeared him to the fans.

Archie Gray’s Breakthrough Amid Spurs’ Struggles

While Tel’s impact has been a positive storyline in an otherwise difficult spell for Spurs, he is not the only youngster stepping up when the team needs it most. Alan Shearer has singled out Archie Gray for praise, highlighting how the 18-year-old has refused to shy away from responsibility despite the pressure of playing in a struggling side.
Although Gray’s preferred position is central midfield, he has had to adapt to different roles, much like his teammate Djed Spence, who is also making the most of his opportunities. The way both youngsters have responded to adversity suggests that, despite the club’s current struggles, Tottenham may be laying the foundations for a bright future.
With a lighter schedule of games ahead, Postecoglou will hope to build a more consistent starting XI, integrating the likes of Tel and Gray into a stronger, more balanced lineup. If they continue on their current trajectory, both players could become key figures in Tottenham’s long-term project—offering a much-needed silver lining amid a turbulent campaign.