This is a refreshed review of Aston Villa’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, updated on 26 September 2026. The scoreline still reads 3-2 to Villa. It stands as Unai Emery’s first league win of the season. Supporters searching for the tottenham vs aston villa lineups, and how the substitutions shaped the closing stages, will find the detail below.
Villa Secure First League Victory in Five-Goal Thriller
Villa broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Johan Manzambi finished well to send his side in front at the break. It was a timely goal that settled some early nerves.
Nicolas Jackson doubled the lead soon after, combining with Manzambi to work the chance. Emiliano Buendía then added a third, putting real daylight between the two sides in what had become a five-goal contest.
Tottenham responded late on. Conor Gallagher pulled one back. Jan Paul van Hecke added a second in the closing stages. Neither goal was enough to deny Villa their first league win of the campaign, and the match finished 3-2.
Player Ratings: Starting Eleven and Key Performers
Manzambi was the standout performer. His stoppage-time opener set the tone, and he later linked well with Jackson to help create Villa’s second goal. He was withdrawn in the 74th minute, replaced by George Hemmings, his job done.
Jackson finished cleanly after that exchange with Manzambi. He stayed involved until Tammy Abraham replaced him in the 88th minute. Buendía’s third goal underlined his growing influence in the final third this season.
At right-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka started the game. Matty Cash replaced him at half-time, and that change held firm until Tottenham’s late rally through Gallagher and van Hecke brought the score back to 3-2.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa Lineups and Match Substitutions
The confirmed tottenham vs aston villa lineups detail from this update centres on three second-half changes, rather than a full published starting eleven for either side. Villa made all three substitutions after the interval, as Emery managed the closing stages.
Cash replaced Wan-Bissaka at half-time. Hemmings came on for Manzambi in the 74th minute. Abraham took over from Jackson in the 88th minute. Those changes shaped how Villa saw out a game that Tottenham made nervy with two late goals.
Beyond these confirmed changes, the full starting lineups are not detailed in this update. Readers can find the matchday build-up in our earlier report.
What Happens Next for Unai Emery’s Squad
The win over Tottenham gives Emery a first league victory to build on this season. Manzambi, Jackson and Buendía all played central roles in front of goal. Villa will look to carry that momentum into their coming fixtures.
For the full breakdown of individual performances from matchday, see our original player ratings coverage.
