Tottenham crash out of two cups in a week to turn up heat on Ange Postecoglou - nile sport

Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham looks dejected

Tottenham have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions this week - Getty Images/Shaun Botterill

Ange Postecoglou’s vow that he “always” delivers silverware in his second season will now rest entirely on the Europa League, after another avenue to a trophy disappeared for Tottenham.

Postecoglou is coming under intense pressure after a week in which Tottenham have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions.

It was chairman Daniel Levy who was once again the target for criticism from Tottenham’s supporters, but you have to wonder just how much longer this will be allowed to continue for the club’s manager.

His team are seriously depleted by injuries, yet they rarely threatened an Aston Villa defence that is also so short of centre-backs that two defensive midfielders were at the heart of the back-four.

Villa have not experienced much fortune in the FA Cup in recent times but coasted through, with new signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio introduced as substitutes after the crucial second goal.

Seven-time winners of the competition, Villa progressed to the fifth round for the first time since 2014-15, when they eventually reached the final.

Postecoglou, meanwhile, has seen Tottenham’s hopes of ending their own trophy drought evaporate in the space of four days.

Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham's defeat at Aston Villa

Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of delivering a trophy rest on success in the Europa League - PA/Mike Egerton

The Carabao Cup second-leg surrender at Liverpool on Thursday has only cranked up the tension, and this exit from the FA Cup was also an underwhelming performance despite the obvious caveat of being without so many key players.

Postecoglou now has a week to wait until the visit of Manchester United next Sunday, and must hope Levy remains patient.

Chants of “We want Levy out” were the soundtrack to this game from the away supporters, and it is clear who many of them believe is responsible for the malaise. The first chant came after less than 90 seconds after Villa registered the first goal of the game with not even a minute gone.

After that wimpish display at Anfield, Postecoglou will have implored his players to make a strong start but only 58 seconds had elapsed when Villa made the breakthrough. It was another goal which exposed Tottenham’s porous defence and not a moment goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky will enjoy watching again.

Morgan Rogers found Jacob Ramsey in space on the left and the attacking midfielder’s shot was straight at Kinsky, but fumbled over the line. It should have been a simple save for the January signing to make, but ensured a nightmare start for his team.

The first chants of “We want Levy out” swiftly followed, with the large contingent of Tottenham supporters making their voices heard. A banner with the words ‘ENIC Out’ was also unfurled in the top tier of the North Stand.

Villa were dominating and Donyell Malen lifted a shot over from close range before Kinsky recovered some confidence with a diving save to prevent the second goal from Leon Bailey. Tottenham’s fans continued to express their anger.

With Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Timo Werner, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Richarlison and Micky van de Ven all injured, the situation does not appear likely to improve soon.

Son Heung-Min should have claimed an equaliser in the 24th minute after he was teed up by Mikey Moore, but his shot was smothered by Emiliano Martinez. At least it was a shot on target, after failing to threaten Liverpool once in Thursday’s second leg.

The withdrawal of Ezri Konsa with a hamstring injury leaves Villa with only one specialist centre-half but the pairing of Boubacar Kamara and substitute Lamare Bogarde - defensive midfielders by trade - were untroubled for most of the night.

Kamara, the France international, was outstanding alongside a number of other stand-out players for the home team including Rogers and captain John McGinn.

Villa’s squad can now count on the potency of Rashford and Asensio and they were just about to be introduced when their new team added the second goal in the 64th minute. Bailey’s cross from inside the penalty created panic in the Tottenham defence and Pedro Porro’s clearance was straight into the path of Rogers who poked home from a yard.

On came Rashford and Asensio, and both of the new arrivals displayed enough promise to give Emery encouragement for the future.

Tottenham were drifting out of the match and new signing Kevin Danso produced a remarkable miss from close range 12 minutes from the end. They did secure a consolation through Mathys Tel’s well-taken finish in added time but there was no grandstand finish.

After exits against Stevenage, Swansea, Peterborough and Sheffield United over the past decade, this was a rare moment for Villa to savour in this competition.


07:51 PM GMT

Rogers receiving his Man of the Match award

The second goal was important, we played well but we hadn’t killed the game off.

We probably could have scored a few more but overall we are happy with the performance and the win.

I’m trying to improve, trying to get better, but the team are trying to create something and we’ll see where it takes us.

Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal

Morgan Rogers ran through Spurs - Getty Images/Marc Atkins


07:46 PM GMT

Ramsey on his goal and Villa’s new signings

To be fair, when I hit it, it was on my weak side and I thought the goalkeeper was going to catch it. But luckily for me, it went in the back of the net. I think it’s probably one of the best squads we have had. We have got experience with [Marcus] Rashford and [Marco] Asensio coming on and Donyell Malen starting. The squad depth is unbelievable. The starting players have got to raise their game now because the players coming on are a big threat.

Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round

Jacob Ramsey scores Villa’s first goal - Getty Images/Catherine Ivill


07:44 PM GMT

Postecoglou speaking post-match

Disappointed we don’t progress. It wasn’t a great start, that’s the last thing you want, that gave them momentum. We also had a massive chance at 1-0.

Second half we had to open up which offered them some opportunities on the counter, but I thought we got a better grip on the game but ultimately fell short.

Second half was more like ourselves, the second goal made it more difficult but I felt like we were a threat going the other way but not enough in the end.

Nothing really changes, we have a couple of weeks without midweek games. This group of players has done an unbelievable job over the last two-and-a-half months, I cannot praise them highly enough. They will get the chance to recover and we will get some players back.

We had 11 first-team players out today. Take that out of any team for one game and they will struggle, we have been doing it for two-and-a-half months.


07:36 PM GMT

Not exactly a united front

Ange Postecoglou staying out to applaud fans, well after players head to the dressing room (aside from Mathys Tel). Manager is last down the tunnel.


07:32 PM GMT

FT: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 1

Anthony Taylor blows his whistle, and Villa have a well-deserved victory after one more late chance flashes across the Tottenham box. Amazingly, this is the first time in a decade that Villa have reached the FA Cup fifth round. They went on to reach the final that year (though the less said about their Wembley outing the better).

Spurs out of both domestic cups in a week but in all honesty is it surprising? They have lost to two stronger teams, with more mature, athletic and authoritative players who are also superior collectively. It is Europa League or bust for their season but how much of the knockout rounds will Postecoglou see?

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts after the match

Ange Postecoglou reacts after the match - Reuters/Chris Radburn


07:27 PM GMT

94 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 1

Son’s delivery from the free-kick was desperately disappointing, straight down the throat of Martinez. Villa can breathe again.

At the other end, Sarr fouls Tielemans and the home team can eat away more seconds.


07:26 PM GMT

93 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 1

Spurs straight back on the front foot, but Kulusevski’s cross is claimed by Martinez. Some nerves around Villa Park now.

And Djed Spence has just dribbled his way down the left to win a free-kick in a crossing position. Rogers with the foul.


07:25 PM GMT

GOOOAAALL! Tel pulls one back for Spurs

Still four minutes to play and Spurs are within one. Kulusevski’s inswinging cross and Tel runs off the back of Bogarde and produces a slick finish on the volley with the outside of his left foot.


07:23 PM GMT

90 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Rashford was his chance for a debut goal after a break into the box in the right channel but his touch was too heavy and he ended up clattering Archie Gray. The Spurs youngster is fortunate to get away from that uninjured because his leg was planted. Completely unintentional from Rashford.

Five minutes of added time to play.


07:21 PM GMT

88 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Poor pass from Sarr runs through harmlessly for a Villa goal kick. The home fans have now moved on to “see the Villa and f--- off home.” The Spurs fans respond with “we want Levy out!”


07:20 PM GMT

86 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Spurs work one of the training ground with a low free-kick, which ended up at the feet of Porro but Martinez made a save for the cameras after an outside of the foot strike.


07:19 PM GMT

84 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

“You’re getting sacked in the morning,” the latest chant from the Villa fans who are going through their songbook now. Spurs do have a free-kick in a crossing position now though, with Bogarde fouling Tel.


07:15 PM GMT

81 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Now Porro is booked for a frustrated foul on Ramsey. He was so late it was next week. Sums up his afternoon. Villa swarming all over Spurs, but Spence helps relieve the pressure.


07:12 PM GMT

78 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Spurs spurn a glaring chance as Porro flashes the ball across the area but Danso could not adjust his feet at the back post and sliced wide. That might be Tottenham’s route back into the tie gone.


07:10 PM GMT

76 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Kinsky with very good one-on-one save to deny Ramsey and Villa one of the goals of the season. Spurs were haring around trying to press but Tielemans and Martinez helped Villa play their way out of their own box before Rogers and Rashford combined to send Ramsey clean through. One end to another in seconds. Everything but the finish.


07:08 PM GMT

75 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Rashford has been bright since he was introduced, and was unfortunate not to be awarded a free-kick after skipping beyond Porro. The Tottenham right-back has had a pretty rotten game all in. Villa have streamed forward down the side and he is rarely in the picture.


07:06 PM GMT

73 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Champagne football from Villa down their right, with Asensio plucking the ball out of the sky and backheeling the ball into Rogers. The pair exchange passes Yorke and Cole style but Rogers’ effort with the outside of his foot was always rising and skimmed the bar. Villa Park are on their feet. Spurs are sinking without a trace.


07:04 PM GMT

71 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Rashford with some sharp closing down to win a corner, before Tielemans has a swing and a miss with a volley moments after the Belgian had another shot blocked. A Villa third feels closer than Spurs getting one back at the moment.

“You’re getting sacked in the morning,” chant the Villa fans. They are within sight of the next round now. Spurs supporters are still focused on Daniel Levy as their target for anger.


07:02 PM GMT

68 minutes: Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0

Danso is down holding his face after being caught by the elbow of Rashford as he went up for a header. I don’t think there was any malice in it from Rashford. Unless there is a dramatic turnaround, it is going to be Europa League or bust on the trophy front for Spurs this season.


07:00 PM GMT

66 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Here comes the double change then: Asensio and Rashford on for Bailey and Malen. They combined for Villa’s second goal and that was their final act of the game.


06:59 PM GMT

GOOAAALL! Rogers scores the goal his performance deserves

Now Asensio and Rashford can come on and play with an air of relaxation. Lovely pass from Tielemans into Malen who feeds Bailey on the right. You thought the winger was going to cut inside and shoot, but he held onto it and waited for Malen to overlap. His low cross was partially cleared on the line but there was Rogers to bury the rebound.


06:56 PM GMT

63 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Now Bergvall has been booked for a similar foul, bringing down Ramsey. Two Spurs central midfielders on yellows now.

Emery is about to introduce Asensio and Rashford for their Villa debuts.


06:54 PM GMT

61 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Bentancur shown a yellow card for holding onto Rogers and not letting go. It was the only chance he had of stopping the Villa midfielder once he was the wrong side. Rogers is so difficult to stop when there is open space nearby.

Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa warms up during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match

Marcus Rashford warms up - Getty Images/Cameron Smith


06:53 PM GMT

Time for Rashford?

Marcus Rashford is warming up on the touchline just in front of the press box here at Villa Park. You would think getting him running at Pedro Porro - or behind him - would be a good way of using him. Villa have exposed Spurs on their left flank so far.


06:52 PM GMT

59 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Spurs jump and press man-to-man all over the pitch, but players who can dribble can be that systems kryptonite. McGinn showed why there with a wonderful body feint and spin away from two players into space, before feeding Ramsey. Only Kinsky to beat from a fairly tight angle but the goalkeeper stood up well to save.


06:50 PM GMT

57 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

This game has become very stretched, first Tielemans and then Bissouma have the space to carry the ball through lots of unoccupied green grass. Kulusevski goes for the curling shot from range but Martinez saves.


06:48 PM GMT

55 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Villa struggling to retain possession in the last few minutes with Spurs growing in confidence. Bentancur’s pull-back finds Son who tees up Bissouma rather than shooting himself. Blocked, but Spurs have a corner. I think Son should have thrown his right foot at that. Villa scramble clear the corner after Bergvall kept the attack alive.


06:45 PM GMT

51 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Kulusevski with a very tasty pass with the outside of the foot, spun behind the Villa defence for the run of Son but Bogarde stuck to his task to make the block. Then Tel’s cross is headed behind for a corner. Spurs fans more vocal now, and not just to voice their disgust with Daniel Levy.

Villa’s defensive header catches Digne flush in the face, and he is flattened. The physios run on to treat the head injury after Taylor blows up.


06:42 PM GMT

47 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0

Bergvall catches Rogers with a late challenge and the home crowd appeal for a booking. Anthony Taylor, unlike one or two notable occasions earlier in the seasons such as Bournemouth vs Chelsea, keeps his cards in his pockets.


06:39 PM GMT

We are back under way

Will that tweak from Postecoglou have the desired effect?


06:39 PM GMT

Half-time change from Postecoglou

Bissouma on for Mikey Moore, so an attempt to plug the gaps in midfield. A shame for Moore, and I imagine the travelling Spurs fans, that he has been the player sacrificed.


06:24 PM GMT

HT: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Despite that gilt-edged chance for Son, Villa will believe they should be further in front. They were dominant in the first 20 minutes and tearing Spurs apart in midfield. The home team were rocked slightly by the loss of Konsa - another defensive injury they cannot afford - but have settled down since with midfielders Kamara and Bogarde playing at centre-back. Spurs remain in the game, but it has been too easy for Villa.

Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round

Jacob Ramsey and his Aston Villa team-mates celebrate the goal - Getty Images/Cameron Smith


06:21 PM GMT

45 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

There will be just two added minutes to play. Villa have got a grip of the game in midfield again. Spurs with another giveaway deep in their half but Malen blasts his shot into the side-netting. It was Gray’s pass intercepted by Bailey.


06:18 PM GMT

42 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Positive play from Garcia after getting to the ball in front of Spence, but Bailey’s attempt to find the right-back on the overlap was sloppy. Kulusevski goes down a couple of times looking for a fould, but Anthony Taylor is unmoved.


06:15 PM GMT

38 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Malen holds the ball up well and turns Gray who climbs all over him and drags him down. Some good battles going on down the left between Tel, Bailey and Garcia. Excellent goalkeeper from Martinez to sweep up behind his defence as Kulusevski looked for the run of Son.


06:12 PM GMT

36 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Kamara and Bogarde are coping admirably out of position so far, but it will surely cost Villa somewhere down the line in this game. Spurs are seeing more of the ball, and are looking more creative now. Bailey defends well against Tel.


06:11 PM GMT

34 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Better defending from Spence, one of the only Spurs players who has got anywhere near Rogers, and the away team win a corner which Villa clear. Digne then covers well to deny Son a chance.


06:07 PM GMT

31 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Rogers is bulldozing through the Spurs midfield repeatedly, and Kinsky makes another decent save to keep out his long-range shot. Kinsky has at least settled with some solid saves since that early mistake.


06:05 PM GMT

29 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Despite a ropey start to this game, Villa’s defensive injuries and their makeshift back four mean Spurs remain in with a chance here.

They are still rocking at the back though. First Kinsky saves from Bailey before Ramsey hits the foot of the post with the rebound from a tight angle.


06:02 PM GMT

26 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

While defending that Spurs attack, Konsa has tweaked something and has been forced off. Bogarde replaces him. So Villa have two central midfielders in Kamara and Bogarde playing as their centre-backs.


06:00 PM GMT

24 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Tottenham should be level, Son has missed a sitter even if it was a very good save from Martinez. Villa suddenly cut open by Kulusevski into Moore and the youngster’s pass behind the Villa defence with his weaker right foot was excellent. You were waiting for the net to bulge from Son’s tap-in but Martinez threw himself in front of it.

Villa have another injury concern though... their only fit centre-back Ezri Konsa is down.

First shot on target in two games there. That Son chance will surely give Spurs a confidence boost. Swift counter-attack to send Mikey Moore away. Shows they are alive in this tie after such a passive start.


05:58 PM GMT

22 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Bergvall does well to hold the ball under pressure, but Spurs have no central presence or threat in the top third of the pitch at the moment. Tel with some quick feet down the left but he sold Spence short, and he caught Bailey to concede a free-kick.


05:56 PM GMT

20 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Now Ramsey drags a shot side of the far post. The only danger for Villa at the moment is that they fail to capitalise fully on their dominance.

“We’re f------ s---” is the next chant from the Spurs fans. Let’s just say it is self-deprecating. They are still waiting for a shot on goal, let alone one on target. ENIC OUT banner has just been unfurled.


05:54 PM GMT

18 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

The anti-Levy chants go up in earnest again from the away end. Spurs just cannot get a foothold in the game at the moment, but Danso covers cross well to see the ball behind. Kinsky then drops a pass short to Bentancur who goes back to Danso awkwardly who passes out of play.

Then Tielemans shoots not far wide after a driving run through the middle. That Spurs midfield is a sieve at the moment, gaps everywhere. Villa one of the best in the league at playing through the centre, too.


05:49 PM GMT

15 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Another horrible moment from Kinsky as the ball runs under his studs, before he kicks the ball straight to a Villa shirt. Malen shifts the ball to work a yard in the box but fires over the bar. Spurs continue to look so vulnerable.

That was a better moment for Kinsky, a smart save to deny Bailey after the winger cut inside from the right onto his left foot.


05:48 PM GMT

13 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

It is no surprise because he is having an excellent season but Morgan Rogers has started this game ever so well. Nice interplay from Villa around the edge of the box with Ramsey and Rogers involved, before Digne’s cross is deflected behind for a corner.


05:47 PM GMT

11 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Bergvall with a pass straight after play moments after a simple pass was played behind Mikey Moore.

The problem Spurs are having at the moment is Bergvall and Kulusevski are attracted to McGinn and Tielemans with Rogers and Ramsey in advanced positions finding all kinds of space.


05:44 PM GMT

9 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

Tottenham trying to gather themselves and keep the ball. Son is playing as the central striker with Tel on the left. The young Frenchman delivers a cross into the box but Kulusevski is penalised for a foul against Kamara.


05:41 PM GMT

Spurs fans call out Levy

Spurs have have made their feelings clear. “We want Levy out, we want Levy out,” is the chant from the upper tier. “Get out of our club, Daniel Levy get out of our club.”

They do not think Ange Postecoglou is the problem.


05:40 PM GMT

4 minutes: Aston Villa 1 Spurs 0

The goalkeeper’s mistake will get the attention, but it was so easy for Villa to play through the lines in the build up. Moments after the goal, Villa won a corner and the crowd are roaring. Ramsey and Rogers picking up space behind the Spurs midfield who are being dragged forwards.


05:38 PM GMT

GOOOAALL! Ramsey fires Villa into the lead inside a minute

Postecoglou’s face is a picture. Villa slice through the Spurs midfield with Tielemans picking out the unmarked Rogers, who feeds Ramsey in acres of space on the left. Decent attempt from Ramsey, but it was more of less straight at Kinsky but bounced off his forearm into the net.

58 seconds on the clock there. Nothing much more than a raise of the eyebrows from Ange Postecoglou on the sidelines as Jacob Ramsey scores. Antonin Kinsky will be disappointed with that.


05:35 PM GMT

KICK OFF!

Tottenham get the game started at Villa Park.


05:34 PM GMT

The two teams are out of the tunnel

Villa and Spurs started the season with Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran and Dominic Solanke on their books and through a mix of injury and the January sale of Duran none are involved tonight. A couple of makeshift centre-forwards in Tel and Malen start the game.


05:29 PM GMT

Decent reception for Rashford

Marcus Rashford gets a decent ovation from Villa fans when he heads down the tunnel. He and fellow new signing Marco Asensio are on the bench today.

Rashford chatting to Sergio Reguilon - his old Manchester United team-mate - as he makes his way to the bench.

Spurs fans have the entire North Stand upper tier and it makes for a good cup atmosphere.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford has been named on the bench by Unai Emery as he seeks a return to first-team action - Getty Images/Clive Mason


05:26 PM GMT

Prediction for tonight?

With Ange Postecoglou still facing an injury crisis and off the back of a bruising Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool. It is difficult to see anything over than Aston Villa winning this evening.

Aston Villa 3 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Let us know your predictions in the comment section below.


05:23 PM GMT

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05:21 PM GMT

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05:18 PM GMT

The warms up are underway at Villa Park

Son Heung-min

Can Tottenham captain Son Heung-min guide his team to victory this afternoon at Villa Park? - Reuters/Chris Radburn

Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martinez warming up ahead of Aston Villa’s FA Cup fourth round match - PA/Mike Egerton

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford (right) is on the bench as he awaits an Aston Villa debut - Getty Images/Justin Tallis


05:13 PM GMT

Liverpool stunned by Championship strugglers Plymouth

Plymouth Argyle produced a classic FA Cup giant-killing as the Championship’s bottom club stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Arne Slot made 10 changes from the side that swept Tottenham aside to reach the Carabao Cup final. They paid the price as Plymouth made the most of the opportunity to secure a place in the fifth round.

You can follow the latest reaction to match here – via our dedicated live blog.


05:10 PM GMT

FA Cup: Fourth round results so far

Here’s a quick rundown of the results so far in the fourth round, as well as some linked to our match reports.

Friday, February 7

Manchester United 2 Leicester City 1

Saturday, February 8

Leyton Orient 1 Manchester City 2

Leeds United 0 Millwall 2

Coventry 1 Ipswich 4

Preston 0 Wycombe 0 (PNE win 4-2 on pens)

Stoke City 3 Cardiff 3 (CAR win 4-3 on pens)

Southampton 0 Burnley 1

Everton 0 Bournemouth 2

Wigan 1 Fulham 2

Birmingham 2 Newcastle United 3

Brighton 2 Chelsea 1

Sunday, February 9

Plymouth 1 Liverpool 0


04:59 PM GMT

Tottenham team news

New signing Mathys Tel makes his first start for Tottenham with fellow Janaury signing Kevin Danso also whistled into the starting XI by Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Bergvall; Moore, Tel, Son

Subs: Forster, Austin, Reguilon, Bissouma, Sarr, Davies, Cassanova, Ajayi, Hardy


04:58 PM GMT

Aston Villa team news

Marcus Rashford is on the bench as he awaits his debut for Aston Villa. It is a versatile starting line-up for Unai Emery with Donyell Maden and Morgan Rogers starting.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Ramsey, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Malen.

Subs: Olsen, Zych, Maatsen, Bogarde, Asensio, Rashford, Jimoh-Aloba


02:39 PM GMT

Emery challenges new-look Aston Villa to finish season strongly

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery hopes his side can use a positive January transfer window to kick on in the second half of the season. Villa brought in Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen, Axel Disasi and Andreas Garcia, with Jaden Philogene and Jhon Duran the high-profile exits.

After an inconsistent season in the Premier League so far, Emery hopes his revitalised squad can achieve their target of European qualification along with progress in the Champions League and FA Cup. The FA Cup is next on the agenda, with the fourth-round visit of Tottenham today.

“The transfer window in January is very difficult, but we were competing very well,” Emery said. “Now we have the challenge for the rest of the season to try to recover some good performances collectively and individually that we didn’t have in the first part of the season.

“In the league we’re not in a position where we can feel comfortable. Our objective and target is to be in the European positions. More or less we are, but not completely.

Unai Emery manager of Aston Villa talks to the press during a press conference at Bodymoor Heath training ground on February 07, 2025 in Birmingham, England

There have been highs and lows in Aston Villa’s season - Getty Images/Neville Williams

“We have to improve and get better performances in the league over the matches we’re going to play in the next month. We have a very good and motivated way in the Champions League, playing in the last 16, getting the performances we had or even better.

“We have the FA Cup and it’s one match on Sunday. It depends after the match if we can continue in this competition, but our objective in the FA Cup is to try to do a way for a trophy.”

Spurs could be good opposition given the difficulties they have faced this season, while their depleted squad was also in action on Thursday night as they were well beaten by Liverpool to crash out of Carabao Cup.

But they have beaten Villa 4-0 and 4-1 in their last two meetings so Emery is expecting a tough test.

Tottenham, the respect I have for them is a huge respect. They have some players injured and some doubts during the league season, but they have a very good team,” the Spaniard added.

“The coach showed his capacity in playing very good football last year and sometimes this year. We lost against them in the only league match we played, 4-1, and they played fantastic.

“On Sunday, I’m waiting for them, expecting from them their best performance. Yesterday we watched the match and we’re going to analyse not only yesterday, but the match they played before.

“They can have some players out with injury, but the players that are going to be available for Sunday are very good players. They have all my respect.”

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