Tottenham’s hopes of securing European football next season were dealt a major blow by a dismal 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in front of 10,000 of their returning supporters.
Spurs took the lead through Steven Bergwijn’s thunder-cracker but Sergio Reguilon’s comical own goal levelled for Villa.
The Spanish left-back was then guilty of two mistakes in the build-up to Ollie Watkins’s winner before half-time.
Here’s how Dan Kilpatrick rated the Spurs players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...
Hugo Lloris 5
Somehow escaped conceding an early penalty for a blatant trip on Watkins. Harsh to blame him for the goals but perhaps could have been stronger for both.
Japhet Tanganga 5
Suffered a serious-looking injury towards the end when his ankle appeared to get caught between an opponent’s legs. A bad way to cap a difficult evening.
Toby Alderweireld 5
The best of a bad bunch at the back. His passing was off but made more than one important challenge as Villa frequently tried to walk the ball in.
Eric Dier 5
Put Reguilon in trouble for Villa’s goal before being easily held off by Watkins. Made a crucial late block to deny Watkins but it was another unconvincing display.
Sergio Reguilon 4
Endured a nightmare evening, slicing into his own net for Villa’s equaliser and twice losing possession in the build-up to Watkins’ strike.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 5
After looking so impressive against Wolves, struggled faced with Jack Grealish and John McGinn. Passing was poor.
Harry Winks 5
Struggled to progress the ball in the first half, often playing sideways. A little better after the interval but Spurs improved when Ndombele came on.
Steven Bergwijn 7
Offered another glimpse of his quality with a superb strike but twice fired straight at Emi Martinez from good positions in the second half, as his former hesitancy in front of goal returned.
Dele Alli 4
On the periphery of the game and looked rusty when he was involved.
Heung-min Son 4
While he is often streaky, it’s hard to remember a game when he was so sloppy in possession. Either distracted or exhausted.
Poor by his standards, although did create a chance for Bergwijn with a fine driving run and was typically unselfish. No wonder he is unsettled.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale (Bergwijn 72’) 6
Called for by fans, the Welshman set up a couple of late chances but could not find the breakthrough.
Tanguy Ndombele (Winks 74’) 7
Improved Spurs with his ability to beat a man and pick a pass. Should have started.
Matt Doherty (Tanganga 83’) 6
Fine.
Subs not used: Hart, Sanchez, Lamela, Lo Celso, Aurier, Moura.
