---
title: "FA Cup: Villa Player Ratings (Spurs A)"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/01/08/fa-cup-villa-player-ratings-spurs/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sheldon Muchmore"
section: "Features & Analysis"
published: "2017-01-08T18:19:57Z"
modified: "2017-01-08T18:19:57Z"
---

# FA Cup: Villa Player Ratings (Spurs A)

Aston Villa went out in the third round of the Fa Cup, for only the 2nd time in the last 9 seasons, thanks to a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspurs.

Bruce set out his team to defend in numbers and attack on the counter, and they carried out the defending part with great discipline in the first half, as they restricted Spurs to only one shot off target in the first 45 minutes. In fact, this is the first time in 5 and a half years that Spurs have only had one shot on goal in the first half of a match

Villa, on the other hand managed 4 shots off target and 1 shot on target in the first half. However, it could have been a lot better had Mike Dean (who is a known Spurs fan) played the advantage when Villa were clean through on goal.

The second half was a much more entertaining affair as both sides notched it up a bit. Spurs came close on the 62nd minute when Son let fly from inside the box only to see his shot spectacularly saved by debutant Johnstone. Gabby Agbonlahor had a chance minutes later but his shot was expertly blocked. Spurs took the lead in the 71st minute thanks to a Davies header and placed their name in the hat for the forth round 9 minutes later when Son swept the ball past Johnstone.

Villa tried their best and played well in parts, but the quality of Spur’s players told in the end.

Here are our player rating for today’s game: