Tottenham have dropped points again in the Premier League as they were beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur’s poor start to the season continued as they were beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa at home.
This is Spurs’ worst start to a Premier League season since 2008-09, when they also had just two points after five games. They remain without a win in the Premier League, and the 3-2 scoreline against Aston Villa makes for kind reading, having added two late consolation efforts.
A maiden Aston Villa goal for Johan Manzambi in first-half stoppage time was added to by Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia efforts, before Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke reduced the deficit with Tottenham’s first Premier League goals of the campaign. Roberto De Zerbi has found himself under pressure just five games into the season and could not hide his disappointment once more.
Roberto De Zerbi makes demands clear from Dominic Solanke after Aston Villa defeat
Like against Everton a week ago, Roberto De Zerbi’s men started on the front foot yet simply couldn’t find a way to score, having been constantly denied by the impressive Zion Suzuki. Amid Tottenham’s attacking play, one player who was largely anonymous in the first half was Dominic Solanke.
After playing just five minutes in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool in midweek, Dominic Solanke was tasked with leading the attack, flanked by Omar Marmoush and Savio. However, the England international’s threat was expertly nullified by Villa duo Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings. The Tottenham star barely managed to get behind them and stretch Villa’s defence across 65 minutes.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, De Zerbi called for improvements from Solanke as his frustration was palpable following another defeat.
“We need more from him for sure, but he’s one of my players. I like Domi as a player, and I stay with him until the end. He needs to feel better. His physical condition is not good enough. Maybe he is not good enough in the confidence at this moment, but many, many things can be better than this moment,” De Zerbi said (h/t Football London).
Indeed, it was a performance from a man shorn of confidence and full fitness. Solanke, who earned a 3/10 rating vs. Villa, was carefully handled during the pre-season following his injury-ravaged 2025/26 season. It was a stop-start pre-season for the Englishman, and given his performances this season so far, it is quite clear he isn’t up to his peak physical levels.
During the upcoming extended international break, the 29-year-old must work harder to get back to full speed and fitness. With Richarlison frozen out of the squad, Solanke is the only out-and-out No.9 now and must do a lot better to contribute to Tottenham’s attack from October.
