Former Tottenham midfielder lashes into Spurs duo after Aston Villa loss
Tottenham Hotspur’s promising start to the Premier League season suffered another setback this weekend, as Unai Emery’s well-drilled Aston Villa side walked away from north London with all three points after a 2-1 victory.
For the home fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the mood was one of growing frustration — a mixture of disappointment and disbelief at how their team failed to build on recent momentum. The defeat not only dented Spurs’ hopes of climbing the table but also exposed cracks in their attacking setup, which looked toothless for long stretches of the match.
Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara, never one to shy away from blunt criticism, echoed those frustrations after the game. Taking to social media, O’Hara vented his disappointment at both the team’s overall performance and the displays of two young attackers in particular — Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel — questioning why they had been selected in the starting lineup.
“We’re so frustrating to watch it’s painful,” O’Hara wrote. “Why is Tel playing? Why is Odobert starting? They are not good enough. We need more than just long throws — our home form needs to be a million times better. #Spurs”
O’Hara’s comments resonated with many supporters who watched Tottenham dominate early possession but fade as the game went on. Despite Rodrigo Bentancur’s early goal giving Spurs an ideal start, Villa’s resilience and sharpness in transition proved too much for the north Londoners to handle.
Odobert’s Promise Overshadowed by Poor Decision-Making
Wilson Odobert, who has shown flashes of potential since joining from Burnley, endured a difficult afternoon. His youthful energy and willingness to take on defenders were evident, but once again, his decision-making in the final third left much to be desired.
In the 19th minute, Odobert embarked on a promising solo run down the left flank, only to hold onto the ball too long, allowing Villa’s defense to recover. Later, he found himself in a dangerous position after being played in by Xavi Simons, yet his hesitation saw the opportunity evaporate. Even when he managed to drift past Morgan Rogers to reach a far-post corner, a poor first touch squandered what could have been a scoring chance.
There is little doubt that Odobert possesses technical quality and pace, but at Premier League level, the margins are razor-thin. His indecisiveness in key moments continues to hinder Tottenham’s attacking rhythm, with the youngster often guilty of slowing down transitions that demand urgency and precision.
Tel’s Energy Lacked End Product
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel, who was preferred over Richarlison in the central attacking role, also struggled to make an impression. Tasked with pressing high and exploiting Villa’s defensive line, the young Frenchman worked hard without providing a meaningful attacking outlet.
Tel’s pressing from wide to central zones was part of Tottenham’s early game plan — a coordinated effort involving Bentancur centrally and Simons drifting inside. However, when Spurs attempted to exploit Villa’s high line through long passes, Tel’s movement and timing weren’t sharp enough to stretch the defense effectively.
Despite his work rate off the ball, he offered little in terms of link-up play or goal threat. Spurs’ attacking phases often fizzled out due to a lack of options in the box, with Tel isolated and unable to make the decisive runs expected of a frontman in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
A Wake-Up Call for Postecoglou
The defeat raises difficult questions for Tottenham boss Thomas Frank — particularly about his selection choices and the balance of his attack. With the club’s ambitions set firmly on securing Champions League football, performances like this one serve as a stark reminder that raw potential must be matched with end product and composure in the final third.
Odobert and Tel are both exciting prospects, but on a day when Tottenham needed experience, cutting edge, and leadership in attack, the youthful duo struggled to deliver. Their development will require patience, yet the immediate priority for Spurs must be restoring their sharpness and consistency — especially at home, where supporters have grown restless.
For now, the pressure is on. If Tottenham are to stay in touch with the league’s top four, Postecoglou may have to rethink his attacking combinations — and ensure that lessons from the Villa defeat spark a stronger response in the weeks ahead.