Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of securing domestic silverware this season are over after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round. The loss has prompted a stark assessment of the squad's mentality from defender Micky van de Ven.
Van de Ven's Blunt Assessment of Spurs' Performance
Stand-in captain Micky van de Ven did not mince his words following the final whistle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Dutch international conceded his side's first-half display was severely lacking, ultimately costing them the tie. 'Gutted obviously that we're out of the cup,' Van de Ven stated. 'First half [we were] nowhere near our level, nowhere near where we need to be and second half way better.'
He pointedly questioned the team's approach from the kick-off, suggesting the outcome could have been different with a stronger start. 'I think we showed also some mentality, but if we showed it from the first minute, this game is totally different.'
How the FA Cup Tie Was Won and Lost
The damage was done in a dismal opening 45 minutes for the hosts. Aston Villa took control with two first-half goals, first from midfielder Emi Buendia and then from Morgan Rogers. Tottenham improved after the break and pulled a goal back through Wilson Odobert after 54 minutes, but it proved to be only a consolation.
The result marks a new low in a difficult season under manager Thomas Frank. Having already been eliminated from the League Cup, the FA Cup represented the last realistic chance for a trophy this term, leaving Spurs with only the Premier League and an uncertain Champions League campaign to focus on.
Frank Under Pressure and Injury Concerns
The under-pressure boss was reminded of his preseason vow to have Spurs competing in 'all four competitions'. 'Of course that's disappointing,' Frank admitted. He acknowledged that consistent performance is the only path forward, praising the second-half energy but ruing the missed opportunity for a comeback that could have sparked momentum.
On the injury front, there was a mixed bag for Tottenham. The match saw the return of Dominic Solanke, making his first appearance since August 23. However, the club now faces an anxious wait over Richarlison after the Brazilian forward was substituted with a hamstring problem.
Frank also took the opportunity to criticise a congested fixture schedule, highlighting that his team had played five games in 13 days. 'That's the most tricky thing with two days in between. We are dealing with it, we are doing everything we can to compete in it, but that's a tough schedule,' he said.
Attention now turns to the Premier League, with a London derby against West Ham on Saturday, followed by a crucial Champions League group stage clash with Borussia Dortmund the following Tuesday.
