Tottenham player ratings vs Aston Villa: 4/10 lets Spurs down as four need to improve

Tottenham Hotspur let a first-half advantage slip through their fingers on Sunday, falling 2-1 to Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a result that left fans both frustrated and bewildered. It marked Spurs’ second home defeat of the season — and, notably, the first time under Thomas Frank’s management that the north London side have lost after taking the lead.

 

The afternoon had begun brightly for Tottenham, who looked sharp and purposeful in the opening exchanges. Their breakthrough came inside just five minutes when Rodrigo Bentancur, showing his trademark composure, fired home after a clever knockdown from Joao Palhinha. The early strike electrified the home crowd and appeared to set the tone for a dominant performance. Spurs thought they had doubled their lead moments later, only for the flag to go up for offside, denying them what could have been a comfortable cushion.

 

Instead, it was Aston Villa who grew into the contest and turned the tide. Despite Spurs’ early control, the visitors found an equaliser against the run of play. Morgan Rogers — a player who had faced criticism for failing to replicate his international form at club level — silenced his doubters with a stunning long-range strike that flew past Guglielmo Vicario and into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance that restored parity and left the home crowd stunned.

 

From there, the match gradually slipped away from Tottenham. The crisp passing and forward momentum of the first half gave way to hesitation and sloppiness after the interval. Frank’s men appeared passive, allowing Villa to dictate the rhythm. The eventual winning goal felt almost inevitable when it arrived: a deep cross from Lucas Digne found substitute Emi Buendía in the box, and the Argentine finished confidently to make it 2-1. Spurs’ defence, hesitant and static, were once again guilty of standing off their opponents.

 

By the final whistle, the mood around the ground had turned from optimism to discontent. Tottenham’s players trudged off knowing they had let a valuable opportunity slip away — and with Champions League qualification ambitions taking a hit.

 

Player Ratings:

 

Guglielmo Vicario – 6

Had very little to do for long spells, and couldn’t be faulted for either goal. Rogers’ thunderbolt was unstoppable, and he appeared slightly unsighted for Buendía’s winner.

 

Pedro Porro – 5

Usually a key creative outlet down the right, but this was an off day. His crosses lacked precision, and defensively he struggled to track runners. Spurs needed his attacking spark, but it never arrived.

 

Kevin Danso – 6

A late replacement for the injured Cristian Romero, Danso coped admirably under the circumstances. Looked composed for much of the contest, though a few nervy moments crept in late on.

 

Micky van de Ven – 6

Solid overall but might have closed down more decisively before Villa’s second goal. His pace helped recover several dangerous situations, yet Spurs’ defensive unit looked disjointed at times.

 

Djed Spence – 5

Endured a torrid afternoon. Found himself badly out of position for Buendía’s decisive strike and seemed fatigued in the later stages. The lack of defensive cover on his flank didn’t help.

 

Joao Palhinha – 7

The standout in midfield during the first half, winning duels and initiating Spurs’ best moves. Provided the assist for Bentancur’s opener with a deft header. His influence waned after the break as Villa tightened their grip in midfield.

 

Rodrigo Bentancur – 6

Took his goal with confidence and looked sharp early on. However, as the game progressed, he faded and struggled to match Villa’s intensity. Still, one of Spurs’ more reliable performers.

 

Xavi Simons – 4

A disappointing display from the Dutchman. Rarely involved and unable to stamp his authority on the game. With his talent and price tag, Spurs will expect far more in upcoming matches.

 

Mohammed Kudus – 8

Tottenham’s brightest spark. His footwork and creativity kept Villa on edge, and it was his cross that led to the opening goal. Unlucky to have a goal ruled out for a marginal offside. Continues to look like one of the signings of the season.

 

Mathys Tel – 5

Struggled to impose himself on Villa’s back line. Missed opportunities to gamble on crosses and lacked the instinctive aggression needed in the box. Replaced after an ineffective hour.

 

Wilson Odobert – 5

Flashes of skill but little end product. Drifted in and out of the game and was often caught ball-watching when Spurs needed him to track back.

 

Substitutes:

 

Richarlison – 6

Introduced to add energy and attacking intent, but failed to make a meaningful impact.

 

Lucas Bergvall – 6

Showed energy and enthusiasm, providing a slight boost to Spurs’ tempo after coming on.

 

Randal Kolo Muani – 5

Had one real chance but completely mistimed his attempt. It summed up Tottenham’s frustrating afternoon — so close yet never quite clicking in attack.

 

Brennan Johnson – N/A

Came on late and had little time to influence proceedings.

 

Pape Matar Sarr – N/A

Another late substitution as Frank chased the game.

 

 

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In the end, Tottenham were left to rue their inability to maintain control after a promising start. Thomas Frank’s men had the game in their grasp but allowed Villa’s resilience and precision to turn it around. For a side with Champions League aspirations, it was a sobering reminder that consistency and concentration remain their biggest challenges.

 

Would you like me to add a short closing analysis paragraph about what this result means for Spurs’ top-four hopes and Thomas Frank’s tactical approach?