Aston Villa claimed their first Premier League win of the season in sensational fashion, surviving a late Tottenham Hotspur rally before Jan Paul van Hecke’s 90+8′ header earned a 3-2 away victory in north London.

Villa were clinical when their chances arrived and appeared to have the points secured after building a three-goal lead. Johan Manzambi opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, striking in the 45+4′ minute to send the visitors into the interval 1-0 ahead.

Tottenham, under mounting scrutiny following their early-season struggles, dominated the ball and territory but could not turn possession into control of the contest. Spurs finished with 63.8 percent possession, 20 attempts and 11 corners, yet Villa’s compactness and cutting edge repeatedly punished the home side.

Nicolas Jackson doubled Villa’s advantage in the 67th minute, before Emiliano Buendía added a third in the 79th minute. At that point, the visitors looked on course for a comfortable afternoon despite Tottenham’s territorial dominance.

Spurs did not fold. Conor Gallagher pulled one back in the 86th minute to inject life into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Jan Paul van Hecke then headed home in the 90+8′ minute to make it 3-2 and set up a frantic final passage.

But Villa held firm through the closing moments to secure a hugely valuable result. They made their six shots on target count, while Tottenham will rue a performance that produced seven efforts on target but another damaging defeat.

The result increases the pressure on Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi and his expensively assembled side, whose record now stands at 0-2-3. Villa move forward with renewed belief after finally getting their first league victory on the board.

Tottenham return to action against Manchester United on October 10, while Aston Villa face Brentford on the same day.

Goals

  • Aston Villa: Johan Manzambi 45+4′
  • Aston Villa: Nicolas Jackson 67′
  • Aston Villa: Emiliano Buendía 79′
  • Tottenham Hotspur: Conor Gallagher 86′
  • Tottenham Hotspur: Jan Paul van Hecke 90+8′