Villa’s trip to north London was always going to be a test of nerve as much as quality, but Emery’s side passed it with composure and conviction. Tottenham came out with purpose, trying to dictate the rhythm and force Villa to chase shadows. Instead, they ran into a side that was organised, disciplined, and quietly assured.
The first half was about patience. We didn’t panic under pressure and refused to get drawn into Spurs’ tempo. When the moment came, we took it. On 37 minutes, Morgan Rogers produced a goal of real class, a clean, effortless strike from outside the box that left the keeper rooted. It looked saveable at first glance, but it wasn’t. The technique and precision were simply beyond reach.
After the break, Villa grew stronger. Emery’s substitutions shifted the game decisively. Ollie Watkins brought energy and movement, but it was Buendia who delivered the decisive moment. The build-up that led to his goal was classic Villa under Emery, sharp, intelligent, and Buendia’s finish, another from distance, capped it off beautifully.
There was a confidence about Villa’s second-half display that’s been missing at times this season. Whatever wasn’t clicking earlier in the campaign now seems to have been resolved. The team looks balanced again, both in shape and mentality, and crucially, they’re back competing.
But before kick-off, both sides took the knee, a gesture that continues to accompany Premier League matches from time to time. For me, it’s a pity to see football teams still persisting with this gesture of kneeling before the match. Football is escapism, and this is a ritual that has run its course and really needs to stop.
Having said that, this was a performance built on calm defending, technical quality, and belief. A proper Villa away win. UTV