New Delhi: Tottenham’s wait for silverware goes on after Aston Villa knocked Ange Postecoglou’s side out of the FA Cup. A 2-1 defeat at Villa Park meant another tournament slipped away, just days after Spurs were beaten in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Injuries played a big role, with 11 first-team players missing, but that was no excuse for a performance that lacked intensity and ideas. Villa also had key absentees, yet they looked far sharper, punishing Tottenham’s slow start and wastefulness in attack.
Postecoglou had promised trophies in his second season, but Spurs now only have the Europa League left as their last chance. His team selection raised eyebrows, and the performance only added to frustrations. Once again, the defence looked fragile, the midfield was overrun, and the attack failed to create much until it was too late. Fans in the away end made their feelings clear, chanting against chairman Daniel Levy, while Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure on the touchline.
Spurs struggle again as Aston Villa punish early mistake
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou. (Image via Reuters/Paul Childs)
Tottenham’s nightmare start saw them fall behind inside the first minute. A simple ball split their defence, and Jacob Ramsey’s shot somehow squeezed past Antonin Kinsky, who should have done much better. It was a moment that summed up Spurs’ defensive frailties, and from that point, Villa took control. The hosts pressed high, forcing mistakes, and should have extended their lead when Donyell Malen and Youri Tielemans went close.
Spurs had one golden chance before half-time when Dejan Kulusevski played in Mikey Moore, who squared for Son Heung-min. The skipper had to score but fired straight at Emiliano Martinez. That was as good as it got, with Villa wasting several more chances to punish Tottenham’s poor defending.
Postecoglou made a puzzling change at half-time, taking off Moore for Yves Bissouma, weakening the attack when chasing a goal. Spurs improved slightly, with Son laying off a shot for Bissouma that was blocked, but Villa were still in control. Ramsey had another big chance saved by Kinsky before the second goal arrived. Morgan Rogers tapped in from close range after poor Spurs defending, sealing the result.
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio came on for Villa in the final 20 minutes, with the home fans singing Rashford’s name. Asensio nearly added a third, while Spurs only found the net in stoppage time when Mathys Tel finished well after a Kulusevski cross. It was too little, too late.
Spurs were simply not good enough. They created almost nothing, despite Villa missing their entire first-choice defence. Excuses about injuries will not hide the fact that Postecoglou’s side have now lost 21 of their last 46 matches. With only the Europa League left, the pressure is mounting.
Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, extending their trophy drought as Postecoglou’s side struggled with defensive errors and a lack of creativity. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
