Tottenham, lackluster and uninspired, were deservedly beaten by Aston Villa in their first game of 2023 as they lost valuable ground in the top-four race.
With Harry Kane and Ivan Perisic uncharacteristically spurning their best chances of the afternoon, a lame-looking Antonio Conte side struggled to break down a galvanised Aston Villa defence. It all began when a massive error from Hugo Lloris handed Ollie Watkins the perfect opportunity to tee up Emiliano Buendia for Villa’s opener, before John McGinn’s princely pass was unerringly converted by Douglas Luiz to all but seal three points for Unai Emery’s side.
Spurs’ midfield was a tad barren without the injured Rodrigo Bentancur, allowing 24-year-old Brazilian Luiz to dictate the game, ending up with a smashing goal by expertly trapping John McGinn’s pass before lifting it over Lloris in the Tottenham goal.
Conte’s appointment had been a fitting fanfare just over a year ago and despite Spurs still sitting fifth in the Premier League table, they are 13 points behind arch-rivals and current league leaders Arsenal. Liverpool are just two points behind them with a game in hand. Although blame is attributable to Lloris for his opening goal blunder, the team created very little of note, with Conte having to shoulder much of that burden arising from his team selection and substitutions.
Spurs next have a trip to Crystal Palace before a relatively straightforward outing against Portsmouth in the FA Cup. After that will be a crunch match against Arsenal, a fixture which could make or break their season.