Aston Villa booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening. Goals from Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed the win, despite a second-half consolation from Wilson Odobert for the hosts.
Villa's Clinical Edge Punishes Spurs
Unai Emery's side made the perfect start in North London, silencing the home crowd in the 22nd minute. A fluid move involving Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen culminated in Emi Buendia firing a precise finish past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Villa's dominance was rewarded again in first-half stoppage time. After Spurs failed to clear a Malen delivery, Morgan Rogers pounced to double the lead.
The only early setback for the visitors was an injury to key midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who was forced off after just a few minutes. Tottenham emerged with more intent after the interval and pulled a goal back in the 54th minute. Randal Kolo Muani dispossessed Lamare Bogarde and set up Wilson Odobert to slot past stand-in keeper Marco Bizot.
Player Ratings: Buendia Shines for Villa
Villa's match-winner, Emi Buendia, earned an 8/10 rating for his decisive opening goal and lively performance. Donyell Malen also impressed, registering two assists to claim an 8. The defensive unit, including Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, and Pau Torres, were solid, each receiving a 7.
Morgan Rogers, scorer of the crucial second goal, was awarded a 7, as was captain John McGinn before his substitution. Substitute Youri Tielemans slotted in seamlessly for the injured Kamara to earn a 7. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot, deputising for the injured Emi Martinez, made a key second-half save and received a 6.
Historical Win for Emery's Men
This victory extends Villa's impressive recent record in FA Cup third-round ties and marks a significant historical achievement. Aston Villa have now eliminated Tottenham from the FA Cup in consecutive seasons, a feat last accomplished by Manchester United over a decade ago. Furthermore, this win means Villa have beaten Spurs twice away from home in a single campaign for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
The result propels Villa into the fourth-round draw, continuing their cup run under Unai Emery. For Tottenham, it's a disappointing early exit from the competition in front of their own supporters.
