Aston Villa's win at Tottenham underlines De Zerbi's early struggles

Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, compounding the hosts' difficult start to the Premier League campaign. The result leaves Roberto De Zerbi's side searching for answers after five matchdays without a single league goal from any of their forwards.

According to Sports Mole, the defeat has intensified scrutiny on Tottenham's summer recruitment, during which the club spent close to £350 million on new players. The publication suggests that several high-profile arrivals have yet to make the desired impact, with defenders Andrew Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke described as having performed poorly so far, while midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are still attempting to settle.

The report also addresses speculation surrounding winger Mathys Tel, who was omitted from the squad that faced Villa. De Zerbi explained the absence as a technical decision, opting instead to deploy Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison. Tensions between the head coach and the 21-year-old were reportedly visible after Tottenham's draw with Everton the previous weekend, when the pair were seen arguing on the pitch.

Citing Football Insider, Sports Mole states that Tottenham have no intention of selling Tel, who joined the club permanently in the summer of 2025. Despite suggestions that an exit valued at around £30 million could be considered, the north London club are said to be committed to keeping the forward.

For Villa, the away win represents a significant result following a mixed run that included a 2-1 home defeat by Nottingham Forest and a 3-2 Champions League victory at Club Brugge earlier this month. Unai Emery's side will next host Brentford at Villa Park on Saturday 10 October.