MusaTottenham’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, leaving Roberto De Zerbi’s side still searching for their first league victory. Villa raced into a 3-0 lead in north London before Spurs finally found the net through Conor Gallagher and Jan van Hecke, but their late comeback attempt ultimately came too late.
Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham from West Ham United in a reported £85million summer deal, was handed a starting role against Unai Emery’s side. However, the midfielder was withdrawn at half-time, with Mohamed Kudus introduced in his place.
At the interval, Spurs were only one goal behind after Villa scored in stoppage time. However, they went on to concede twice more after Fernandes had left the pitch.
Following the final whistle, De Zerbi was asked about his decision to replace the expensive summer signing. The Tottenham boss defended the substitution but admitted he wanted more from Fernandes.
Asked whether Spurs lost something in midfield after Fernandes was taken off, De Zerbi explained: “It’s not just that problem. In the second half we lost balance because we were losing and we forced the pass, we forced the situation and they were winning the ball.
“They played more on counter attack. Mateus is different to Kudus. I have big confidence in Mateus but I did not like the performance of Mateus today.
“It’s not an attack of him, I love him, but for Mateus, we need more from Mateus in that position.”
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel was left out of the Tottenham squad after De Zerbi was seen speaking angrily to the forward immediately after last weekend’s goalless draw with Everton.
De Zerbi described Tel’s absence as a “technical decision” and insisted there was no issue between the pair.
“He was in the stands because I think during the game, Maddison and Kudus, they had more chances to change the game,” De Zerbi said.
He added that Tottenham also had important options across defence and midfield, mentioning Pedro Porro, Archie Gray and the two central midfielders.
“But I explained why to Mathys yesterday. It was no problem. He was very nice and he understood the reason, but nothing more, and also he played more than the others.”
The defeat leaves Tottenham with plenty of questions to answer, while De Zerbi will now have to find a way to improve his side’s performances ahead of the upcoming international break.
Musa
