Aston Villa compound Tottenham’s misery despite Spurs ending goal drought

Aston Villa claimed a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in north London as Unai Emery’s side moved off the bottom of the table with their first league win of the season. New signings Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson scored either side of half-time before Emi Buendia added a long-range strike 11 minutes from time to put Villa firmly in control. Tottenham only found the net late on, finally ending their Premier League goal drought when Conor Gallagher’s shot went in via a deflection off Matty Cash. Jan Paul van Hecke then headed home in stoppage time, but the late efforts were not enough to salvage a point for Roberto De Zerbi’s team. The match featured a notable moment when Spurs centre-back Micky Van de Ven suffered a head knock, leaving the home side temporarily down a player while he received treatment — a situation governed by new laws that require a player to remain off the pitch for at least a minute after head injury assessment. Villa capitalised during that period as Manzambi converted Boubacar Kamara’s cross to open the scoring. Tottenham’s problems continued despite heavy summer investment exceeding £300 million on new players intended to avoid another relegation battle. Spurs showed early promise in the game but faded as Villa’s improved attacking options found space, Jackson finishing from a long ball before Buendia’s top-corner strike drew boos from departing home supporters. Villa will seek to build on the win during the upcoming international break, drawing on last season’s example when they climbed the table after a slow start; Spurs, meanwhile, face a three-week period without league football to reflect while they remain in the relegation zone.