Johan Manzambi struck in first-half stoppage time to put Aston Villa on their way to a 3-2 win at Tottenham, a result that sent Roberto De Zerbi’s side into the Premier League relegation places after five rounds.
The move
Villa had been under pressure themselves before travelling to London, but produced their first league victory of the 2026-27 season with a more composed display than their hosts.
Manzambi’s finish came at the end of a difficult first half for Spurs. Andy Robertson attempted to prevent a corner but instead allowed John McGinn to deliver the ball into the area. Boubacar Kamara extended it and Manzambi finished from close range in the fourth minute of added time.
It was a painful setback for Tottenham, who had created openings before going behind. Zion Suzuki denied Savio in the 11th minute and Archie Gray nine minutes later, while Sandro Tonali narrowly missed the target on two occasions, in the 32nd and 70th minutes.
Spurs also lost Pedro Porro to injury after 19 minutes. Their frustration deepened when Mohammed Kudus had a goal ruled out for an offside measured by only a few centimetres shortly after the hour mark.
Villa’s individual quality decides the contest
Unai Emery’s team stretched their lead through two moments of individual brilliance. Nicolas Jackson beat Micky van de Ven before making it 2-0 in the 67th minute, then Emiliano Buendia curled in Villa’s third goal 12 minutes later.
Tottenham finally registered their first Premier League goals of the campaign late on. Conor Gallagher scored off his shin in the 86th minute, before Jan Paul van Hecke headed in during the eighth minute of stoppage time.
The late response changed neither the result nor the immediate picture for De Zerbi. Tottenham remain without a league win this season and now sit in the bottom three.
The French season around it
Kamara, the former Marseille midfielder, played a key role in Villa’s opening goal by providing the touch that created Manzambi’s close-range chance. His contribution helped a Villa side that had also started poorly climb to 15th place.
Across all competitions, Tottenham have won only once: a 5-1 League Cup victory over Charlton. They have lost four matches and drawn two, with both of those draws ending 0-0.
For Manzambi and Villa, the afternoon offered a needed release. For Tottenham, even their first league goals of the season arrived too late to halt a slide that is already placing De Zerbi under severe pressure.
