Early on it was a game that went the way most would have predicted. Aston Villa owned most of the possession and consequently more of the goal-scoring opportunities. That being said, as the two sides approached halftime knotted up at 0-0, Tottenham showed why they are a dangerous team at any time.
Of all the Villans, Marco Asensio could view himself as someone unfortunate not to have gotten onto the score sheet. A little over halfway through the opening 45 minutes, the Spaniard made a good run in space and nearly saw his clever flick find the back of the net. Then, about 10 minutes later, from a ball that Morgan Rogers won off Son Heung-min, Asensio only just missed the goal with his left-footed effort. In general, it was Villa who asked more of the questions and took the game to Spurs.
Ollie Watkins also showed his liveliness. Now the club's all-time leading Premier League goal scorer, the England international, looked eager to get himself involved in another goal, even if it was through an assist on his part. Although early on a header off the cross from John McGinn only just went over the bar.
What Aston Villa are looking to avoid
These are the exact type of matches that can be dangerous. Son nearly produced a goal-scoring moment himself and certainly showed what he can offer in the attack when he is at his best. Although Tottenham aren't at full capacity, they have shown their quality on the quick counter.
In games like this, Villa need to find a way to capitalize on their dominant spells of possession and see one go through. A lot of times, 'when it rains, it pours.' At least, that is what Unai Emery will be hoping. Maybe if one goes in, a slew will follow. If that doesn't happen, however, Emery will have plenty of options to turn to on the bench to provide the needed boost if the match remains at 0-0.