Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham
There was clear frustration from the terraces at Villa Park as the home fans appeared disgruntled and disgusted at their team’s lack of effort. All I can say is, they should try being West Ham United fans.
Because in a game where the Hammers desperately needed Aston Villa to turn up and give Tottenham Hotspur a game, Unai Emery’s team looked like they would rather be anywhere other than the football pitch.
It’s not Villa’s fault, of course. If West Ham do go down this season, which is looking increasingly likely, it will not be the Midlands’ fault because West Ham have been the architects of their own demise.
West Ham Left Hoping For Favours Again
For those who were interested, then switched on to watch Aston Villa v Tottenham, it became evident after 60 seconds that this was going to be a mismatch. All the intensity, desire and athleticism came from the away team as Spurs’ greater desire to remain in the Premier League trumped a Villa team who, quite correctly, have one eye on a European semi-final.
Not that any of the above should come as anything of a surprise. Ollie Watkins on the bench, John McGinn in the stands, and Ross Barkley starting in midfield, it was quite clear where Emery’s priorities lay. If anyone was still not convinced how unconcerned the Villains boss was with his team’s performance, the lack of any substitutions at half time confirmed his apathy.
West Ham Running Out Of Chances
As for Roberto De Zerbi, not only did Spurs completely dominate their opponents from the first whistle, they are showing signs of adjusting to their new manager’s methods, and anybody who witnessed the game will not be confident of Leeds United beating them.
Far too many times this season, we’ve labelled games as must-win. Unfortunately now, West Ham have run out of them. Yesterday against Brentford necessitated victory, and Nuno Espírito Santo and the boys came away with a 3-0 defeat. Once that happened, we were always relying on favours from others, given that we’re not able to take care of ourselves.