In this combo image, Aston Villa’s Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi (right) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 19, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League goal drought finally came to an end on Saturday, but their late revival was not enough to prevent Aston Villa from claiming a 3-2 victory in north London.
The defeat leaves Spurs still searching for their first league win of the season and deepens the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who found the net for the first time in the campaign only after Villa had raced into a three-goal lead.
Villa had also endured a difficult start in front of goal following a transfer window that saw several members of the Europa League-winning squad depart. However, new signing Johan Manzambi opened his account before Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia added further goals to put Unai Emery’s side firmly in control.
Tottenham’s first goal came late and with a heavy deflection, as Conor Gallagher’s effort took a touch off Matty Cash before finding the net.
Jan Paul van Hecke then headed in during stoppage time to give Spurs hope, but Villa held on to secure their first league victory of the season.
Tottenham had spent more than £300 million ($400 million) on new players during the summer in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle. However, the investment has yet to produce the desired results.
As has been the case in their recent matches, Spurs began brightly but gradually lost momentum.
Savio was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Suzuki, who then produced another impressive save to keep out Archie Gray’s powerful effort.
Villa had collected just one point from their opening four league matches and had been without club-record signing Manzambi for much of that period.
The Swiss forward opened the scoring when he tapped home Boubacar Kamara’s cross.
Tottenham were also frustrated by the new rule requiring players to leave the pitch for at least a minute after receiving treatment for an injury. A head injury to centre-back Micky van de Ven temporarily left Spurs short-handed at the back, allowing Manzambi to finish from close range.
Villa doubled their advantage when Van Hecke failed to deal with a long ball through the middle. Jackson escaped the Dutch defender before firing the ball into the ground and beyond Antonin Kinsky.
Buendia then put the visitors three goals ahead with 11 minutes remaining, producing a stunning long-range effort into the top corner.
The goal was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home supporters, many of whom began leaving the stadium early.
Those who stayed, however, were rewarded with a late fightback.
Mohammed Kudus showed good persistence before setting up Gallagher, whose shot took a deflection off Cash and found the bottom corner.
Van Hecke then gave Tottenham further hope when he powered a header into the net from Andy Robertson’s free-kick with virtually the final touch of the game.
But Villa held on to secure a valuable three points.
Tottenham now face a three-week international break with another defeat to reflect on and remain rooted in the relegation zone.
Villa, meanwhile, will hope the victory can spark a revival similar to last season. Emery’s side also failed to win any of their opening five league matches a year ago but eventually finished fourth.
