---
title: "Paul Merson calls Tottenham vs Aston Villa a momentum swing"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/18/paul-merson-tottenham-aston-villa-momentum/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-18T19:03:32Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T10:57:00Z"
---

# Paul Merson calls Tottenham vs Aston Villa a momentum swing

Paul Merson believes Saturday’s meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa could shape the direction of both clubs’ seasons.

The Sky Sports pundit has described the fixture as a major “momentum swinger” after both teams made difficult starts to the Premier League campaign.

Tottenham have taken two points from their opening four league matches and are still waiting for their first goal. Villa have collected one point and scored once during the same number of fixtures.

Merson’s assessment gives the game a clear context. Neither side can afford to let another opportunity pass without turning promising moments into a result.

## Paul Merson highlights pressure on Tottenham and Aston Villa

Tottenham’s situation is particularly unusual. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have created opportunities, but their lack of league goals has left them under pressure before the visit of Villa.

The return of Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison gives Spurs more options. De Zerbi has confirmed that all three are available, although their fitness levels will be assessed before kick-off.

Villa also have selection questions to resolve. Pau Torres remains unavailable, while Unai Emery has backed Tyrone Mings to help Villa maintain their structure in possession.

Those issues make Saturday’s result difficult to predict. A strong start could be especially valuable for either side, given the lack of confidence created by their opening results.

Merson’s comments, reported by [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/15205/13589087/tottenham-vs-aston-villa-paul-merson-believes-saturdays-huge-premier-league-match-is-a-momentum-swinger), place the emphasis on what comes next rather than what has already gone wrong.

For Villa, a first league win would change the mood around Emery’s rebuild. For Tottenham, scoring and winning at home would give De Zerbi’s new-look squad a much-needed lift.