Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited first Premier League goal of the season arrived on Saturday, but it was not enough to prevent another frustrating defeat as Aston Villa escaped with a 3-2 win in north London.
Spurs had gone four league games without scoring before facing Villa, but their attacking breakthrough came only after the visitors had established a commanding three-goal advantage.
Aston Villa struck just before half-time when Johan Manzambi found the net in stoppage time to give Unai Emery’s team the lead.
Tottenham struggled to respond after the break, and Villa took full advantage. Nicolas Jackson increased the visitors’ advantage in the 67th minute before Emiliano Buendia added a third in the 79th minute.
With the game seemingly out of reach, Tottenham suddenly came alive.
Conor Gallagher gave the home supporters something to celebrate when he reduced the deficit in the 86th minute. Spurs then scored again deep into stoppage time, with Jan Paul van Hecke heading home to make it 3-2.
The late surge raised hopes of an unlikely comeback, but Villa survived the final moments to take all three points.
The result leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham still without a Premier League victory after five matches. Spurs have managed just two points from their opening fixtures and sit 18th in the table.
Their difficult start has included defeats against Brentford and Newcastle, followed by goalless draws with Nottingham Forest and Everton. They were also beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in the League Cup during the week.
For Villa, the victory brought some relief after a disappointing start to the campaign. Emery’s side had collected only one point from their first four league games, suffering defeats against Brighton, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest while drawing with Hull City.
The win moves Villa up to 15th with four points.
Tottenham dominated possession with 64 per cent and earned 11 corners, but Villa remained effective on the counter-attack. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was also crucial, making five saves as the visitors resisted Tottenham’s late pressure.
Both teams now head into the 16-day international break with plenty to address, particularly Tottenham, who must find a way to turn their late attacking spark into points.
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