Aston Villa suffered a massive blow to their Champions League ambitions as a second-half collapse saw the side defeated 4-0 by Spurs.
In a massive game to decide who may finish fourth in the Premier League, Unai Emery’s side arguably went into the match as favourites.
The club had won three league games in a row going into the fixture at Villa Park and could have gone eight points clear of the Londoners.
However, after a tighter first half, Villa completely collapsed in the second period thanks to early goals from James Maddison and Brennan Johnson.
Shortly after, captain John McGinn received a red card for a clinical challenge in the middle of the pitch as tensions rose.
In added time, Spurs added another two goals from Heung-min Son and Timo Werner to really make it a day to forget.
Now, after the game, we rate how the Villa Players did as they were humbled at Villa Park.
GK – Emi Martinez – 5/10
He couldn’t do anything about the opener or the second with it coming from a mistake from his own backline. In added time, the ‘keeper conceded another two in a poor day at the office.
RWB – Matty Cash – 6/10
One of Villa’s better players. The wing-back made multiple tackles in an attempt to stop the hosts from dominating his flank. In attack, Cash attempted to get Villa forward even when the hosts were down to 10.
CB – Clement Lenglet – 5/10
After a solid first-half display, Lenglet was part of a backline that collapsed in the second half and not for the first time. A similar thing happened against Forest just a few weeks back. While Lenglet wasn’t at any real fault for any of them, he didn’t do anything to stop it.
CB – Pau Torres – 5/10
The only defender in the back three to be on the pitch for all four goals. It was certainly a day to forget for Torres with the backline looking extremely fragile. In added time, it seemed as if Spurs might score with every attack they had.
CB – Ezri Konsa – 4/10
Arguably at fault for the opener. Konsa could not afford to let the ball get past him with Maddison lurking. Yet, that is exactly what happened and the midfielder made no mistake from close range. Then, minutes later, the defender made another terrible mistake as he gave the ball away which directly led to Spurs’ second.
LWB – Lucas Digne – 5/10
Couldn’t really get into the game. Almost scored a looping header at the end of the first half which bounced just wide of the post.
CM – Douglas Luiz – 6/10
One of the better players on the pitch for Villa. The Brazilian was able to break up some of Spurs’ tempo when they were down to 10 men and held off the onslaughter for as long as he could.
CM – John McGinn – 4/10
His passing rate was fantastic against Spurs as he attempted to assert the host’s dominance at Villa Park. Then, when Villa went 2-0 down, they needed their captain to step up. Instead, he did something stupid and got himself sent off for an unneeded challenge on the halfway line to put the game to bed after the hour mark.
CM – Youri Tielemans – 4/10
Seemed a passenger in the midfield. In a game where Villa really needed him to step up and show his quality, this was not shown. Many of his passes went astray and wasn’t a threat in attack either before he was subbed off.
ST – Leon Bailey – 4/10
Wasn’t effective at all in attack. Many of his crosses were nowhere near the intended man and was unable to be a consistent threat against Spurs. It was a highly disappointing performance from a man who was in such good form before the game.
ST – Ollie Watkins – 5/10
Made some poor decisions in attack in the first half where he seemed to overplay a bit too much instead of having a shot. In the second half, his service dried up and Villa couldn’t get him into the game at all.
Sub – Moussa Diaby – 6/10
Added a good attacking threat upon first entering the pitch. However, McGinn’s red card really subdued his influence.
Sub – Alex Moreno – 5/10
Didn’t have an impact.
Sub – Nicolò Zaniolo – 6/10
Offered a bit more in attack when he came on.
Sub – Tim Iroegbunam – 6/10
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Sub – Diego Carlos – 5/10
Possibly should have been on Son as he netted Spurs’ third. However, the defender should have definitely done better for the fourth and been closer to Werner to block the shot.
