Another loss, five-game winless streak: "Tottenham has the ability to inflict new pain on fans" — harsh criticism... Blocked by Japanese goalkeeper, Villa defeats Tottenham 3-2

*This content was translated by AI.

England's Tottenham lost again. They scored two late goals in a desperate chase, but it was too little, too late. With just one win in their first five league matches since the season opener, they faced a wave of harsh criticism from local British media.

On the 19th (Korean time), Tottenham lost 3-2 to Aston Villa in a home match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as part of Round 5 of the 2026–2027 English Premier League (EPL) season.

Tottenham has now gone five league matches without a win since the season began, recording two draws and three losses for just two points. Depending on other teams' results, they could drop to last place, 20th position, after this round concludes.

Judging by match statistics alone, it would be hard to say Tottenham was outplayed. They dominated possession with a 64%-36% split and held the edge in total shots, 20-15. Their shots on target were also slightly ahead at 7-6. In corner kicks, they completely overwhelmed Villa with an 11-1 advantage.

But they repeatedly failed to score in front of goal. The player who kept Tottenham from scoring was Japanese national team goalkeeper Saito Zayon.

The British Guardian also stated, "The match's most valuable player (MVP) was likely Saito," highly praising his performance.

The media reported that "Saito's consecutive saves gradually created an increasingly frustrating atmosphere in the stadium" and that "Tottenham fans began to feel anxiety, wondering if this was happening again."

It further noted that "conversely, Villa players gradually found their composure as they realized they had a reliable goalkeeper behind them," highlighting Saito's presence.

In fact, Saito played the full 90 minutes and recorded five saves. Football statistics outlet FotMob also gave Saito a rating of 7.7 points.

As Saito blocked Tottenham's early offensive push, Villa seized their opportunity. In stoppage time of the first half, Youri Tielemans scored the opening goal, allowing Villa to lead 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi substituted striker Mohamed Kudus in an attempt to equalize.

It seemed to be working. In the 15th minute of the second half, Kudus shook the net. However, after video assistant referee (VAR) review, an offside call against Andy Robertson was confirmed in the preceding play, and the goal was disallowed.

Having missed a crucial opportunity, Tottenham immediately conceded another goal.

In the 22nd minute of the second half, Nicolas Jackson scored with a sharp shot, extending Villa's lead to 2-0.

In the 34th minute of the second half, Villa's ace Emi Buendía unleashed a spectacular long-range strike. The score quickly expanded to 0-3.

Even the home fans' patience wore thin. Some Tottenham supporters, sensing defeat, left the stadium before the final whistle even blew.

In contrast, Villa fans who traveled for away support mocked Tottenham by chanting slogans such as "Manager De Zerbi will be fired by tomorrow morning."

Tottenham did not collapse entirely. In the 41st minute of the second half, midfielder Conor Gallagher scored a consolation goal — Tottenham's first league goal of the season.

Just before the final whistle, center-back Jan Paul van Hecke headed in another goal, narrowing the gap to 2-3.

But there was no time left. In the end, Tottenham bowed their heads again at home.

Local British assessments were cold. The Guardian sharply criticized: "Tottenham has an amazing ability to inflict new pain on its fans in a different way," adding that "despite showing a strong start, they ultimately ended with a humiliating defeat."

London-based local paper The Standard also strongly criticized: "Tottenham spent £300 million (approximately 550 billion won) in the summer transfer market and still has not secured a single victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.