Tottenham player ratings vs Aston Villa: Giovani Lo Celso shows his quality as fortune deserts Heung-min Son

Giovani Lo Celso was excellent on his first League start since Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge (AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham suffered a third successive defeat as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa, despite creating a shedload of chances.

Giovani Lo Celso marked his first League start since October 2021 with the opening goal, a fierce strike which took a deflection past his Argentina teammate Emi Martinez.

But Villa equalised on the stroke of half-time when Pau Torres headed home Douglas Luiz’s excellent free-kick.

Spurs continued to squander opportunities in the second half and Ollie Watkins made them pay with a smart finish from the edge of the box.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Well beaten for the goals, which were both fine finishes. Made a couple of smart saves, including parrying Leon Bailey’s shot onto the post and was quick off his line.

Pedro Porro 8

Once guilty of dangerously overplaying on the edge of his own box but generally impressive. Some of his passing from deep in the first half was outstanding and his corner led to Spurs’ goal. Unlucky to strike the post.

Emerson Royal 5

Could not get a tackle in on Watkins for Villa’s second goal and was caught out for the striker’s goal which was ruled out for a fractional offside.

Ben Davies 6

Torres got ahead of him to equalise with an outstanding header. Came close to scoring an the other end but nodded over from a good position.

Destiny Udogie 6

Missed an early chance after breaking Villa’s line. Got forward well but occasionally stretched defensively by Villa’s counter.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

His comeback lasted just 32 minutes after a rash challenge by Matty Cash. He was bright, with his passing from deep helping to break Villa’s high line.

Giovani Lo Celso 8

Excellent on his first League start since Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge. Took his goal well, used the ball superbly and got stuck in.

Dejan Kulusevski 8

Impressed in a deeper midfield role as the James Maddison alternative. Should have scored after a determined early run but his effort came back of the post. Created a number of other chances and was constantly involved.

Brennan Johnson 7

Forced a fine save from Emi Martinez and was always a threat when running at Lucas Digne.

Bryan Gil 7

Lively and involved on his first start of the season. Took up some great positions and forced a save from Martinez, although his delivery and decision-making was mixed and he was too reliant on his left foot.

Heung-min Son 7

Had no fewer than three goals ruled out for offside, including a fine solo effort. Was involved in many of Spurs’ best pieces of play and another day he might have scored a hatful.

Subs

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Bentancur 32′) 6

Came close to equalising with a 25-yard effort which extended Martinez. Passing was mixed.

Oliver Skipp (Gil 71′) 6

A willing runner but it was a measure of Spurs’ injury crisis that he was the go-to sub when they needed a goal.

Alejo Veliz (Lo Celso 82′) 6

Could not help Spurs force a late equaliser.

Not used: Forster, Austin, Dier, Donley, Dorrington.