Villa 2-0 Spurs | Ange's verdict

The key news from Ange Postecoglou post-match from Villa Park with the UEL Final on the horizon was, apart from Pape Matar Sarr coming off as a precaution after ‘feeling something in his back’, that everyone else came through unscathed. In terms of the display, Ange was pleased with how the team looked ‘disciplined and focused’ despite the 2-0 defeat.

Indeed, we frustrated Villa and created chances in the first half, most notably a superb move that ended with Wilson Odobert backheeling Mathys Tel’s cross at goal from 10 yards, only to see Emiliano Martinez produce a reaction save with his feet.

Fans will have been delighted to see Heung-Min Son raid down the left a couple of times, and in one 50-yard break, ran away from Boubacar Kamara, only to cross behind Odobert and Tel. Sonny also curled just over and completed 74 minutes on his first start since 10 April.

In the end, we were undone by a set piece on 59 minutes as Ollie Watkins met John McGinn’s corner and Ezri Konsa hooked home from close range. Kamara then drilled home on 73 minutes for 2-0, and that’s how it stayed in our penultimate Premier League game of 2024/25.

Ange on the performance...

“It’s fair to say it was always going to be a difficult assignment tonight, but, for the most part, the boys worked hard, looked disciplined and focused. We made it really difficult for them, but when they scored that took the game away from us. Overall, disappointed to lose, but a better effort.”

Ange on if everyone came through okay...

“I think so. Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a precaution. Everyone else, it looks like came through unscathed. We protected a few today, Sonny got 65 minutes, which was important. I think everyone else is fine.”

Ange on Sonny’s return to the starting XI...

“It’s good to have him back and involved. I’m sure he feels better for that run out, as well, having a decent hit out. Hopefully, that puts in him good shape for the final.”

Ange on Mikey Moore’s display...

“We still had a really young team out there. In the last few weeks, our average age has been three, four years younger than the opposition. I think it’s good for Mikey to learn different aspects of his game. This year was always going to be a development year for him, and he’s played a fair bit, and through that he’s grown. I’m sure that will make him a better player.”

Ange on plans for the next few days with the UEL Final on Wednesday night...

“An important five days, we left a few players back (from Villa), as well. We’ve a few important training sessions coming up, and we’ll get ready. It’s a massive game, obviously, and a huge opportunity for us.”