Tottenham advance to FA Cup 4th-round over Aston Villa

Aston Villa failed to advance to the FA Cup 4th-round for only the second time in eight years. Goals from Ben Davies and Heung-Min Son gave Tottenham the victory.

For seventy minutes, Aston Villa were able to emergency defend against Spurs’ second team. This was until Georges-Kévin Nkoudou crossed into an unmarked Ben Davies in the box. The rest was history.

The first half was marred by incessant fouling from both clubs. Aston Villa defending with ten men behind the ball meant Gabby Agbonlahor was isolated up top for the entirety of the match. Aside from a handful of corners, Villa’s only threat on the evening was a set piece that fell to an open Chester/Agbonlahor. Tottenham central defender Toby Alderweireld was there to block a goal.

Overall, this was a fair result from Aston Villa – who fought hard for the entire match. It was clear from the opening whistle there was not going to be a goal unless it came from a set piece or turnover.

Strong, positive debut from Sam Johnstone. Nearly injured himself diving top corner to deny Heung-Min Son. Villa’s man of the match.

Hutton worked hard and tracked runs well, but  committed far too many turnovers. Again, right back is the position in most need of reinforcements..

Ran the show in the back line & stopped numerous attacks in the first half. Ben Davies ran in between Jedinak and Chester for the winning header.

Nathan Baker injured his back, but was able to finish the match – which is the most important match fact.

Tottenham’s wing backs gave Villa fullbacks problems defending. Steve Bruce over compensated by dropping Albert Adomah and Leandro Bacuna extremely deep.

Jedinak defended well. Not much else to say as Villa controlled very little possession.

Tshibola’s first touch was absolutely terrible the entire match. Villa routinely lost possession when Tish passed to the back line under pressure; thus resulting in a long ball to absolutely no one.

Attacked well with the ball at his feet, but could not offer much in the way of incisiveness. Delivered several decent set pieces, too (Except for the one where he fired from 40+ yards out).

Adomah played more right back than Alan Hutton when Spurs overloaded the left side. Substituted off for André Green.

Tracked runs really well, but offered zero going forward aside from a tame shot on Vorm’s net.

For having zero service and little to no support, Gabby threatened on a few runs.

Aston Villa travel to Wolves next Saturday in the club’s next league match.