Aston Villa finally secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a dramatic 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Johan Manzambi opened the scoring before Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Buendía appeared to put Unai Emery’s side out of sight.
Late goals from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke made the finish considerably more uncomfortable, but Villa held on for three crucial points.
The result provided plenty for the national media to discuss, with Zion Suzuki’s early saves, Manzambi’s breakthrough display and Jackson’s performance all attracting attention.
Here is how the press reacted.
The Guardian highlights Suzuki’s crucial Villa role
Villa’s attacking players will understandably take much of the attention after scoring three times in north London.
However, The Guardian focused on the importance of Suzuki before Villa had established any control.
Its match report highlighted a series of important saves from the goalkeeper during Tottenham’s strong opening period.
Spurs enjoyed the better opportunities before Manzambi eventually struck in first-half stoppage time.
Suzuki therefore gave Villa the platform from which their attacking players could later take over.
That was also reflected in our Aston Villa player ratings against Tottenham, where the goalkeeper received one of Villa’s highest marks.
We have since taken a closer look at why Suzuki’s saves proved so important to the victory.
His contribution extended beyond shot-stopping too.
The Guardian noted his involvement in Villa’s build-up, including the move which eventually led to Jackson doubling the advantage.
Reuters puts Manzambi at centre of Villa breakthrough
Reuters placed Manzambi firmly at the heart of Villa’s first league victory.
The 19-year-old scored the opening goal before playing an important role in Jackson’s second after the interval.
Reuters’ wider Premier League report described Manzambi, Jackson and Buendía as the trio who fired Villa to their breakthrough victory after a difficult opening to the campaign.
Manzambi’s contribution was particularly significant because Emery had trusted him from the start despite having several more experienced attacking options available.
Our analysis of the selection decision Manzambi has created for Emery showed how quickly the youngster has moved from squad option to genuine Premier League contender.
Emery has since praised his natural qualities while admitting Manzambi still has work to do positionally.
That makes his Tottenham display even more encouraging.
He was able to influence a major Premier League game while still learning exactly what Emery wants from him.
Jackson earns praise after Emery gamble pays off
Jackson’s afternoon was another major talking point.
Emery preferred him to Tammy Abraham despite the latter scoring twice against Coventry City in midweek.
The decision was rewarded when Jackson produced Villa’s second goal.
The Guardian described the finish as one of the standout moments of the game, while Reuters also highlighted Jackson as one of Villa’s decisive attacking performers.
Emery later suggested this was the first match in which Jackson had truly demonstrated the power and understanding he expects from him.
We have broken down Emery’s verdict on Jackson’s Villa breakthrough.
The combination of Jackson and Manzambi was particularly encouraging.
Both are still adapting to Emery’s demands, but both delivered when Villa desperately needed a result.
Villa finally have momentum to build on
The national reaction reflects a wider theme from Saturday.
Villa were not perfect.
Tottenham created enough opportunities to cause serious problems, while two late goals ensured Emery’s side finished under pressure.
But after such a difficult start to the Premier League season, the result mattered enormously.
Our full Tottenham 2-3 Aston Villa match report detailed how Villa survived the late scare to secure their first league win.
The most encouraging aspect may be that several of Emery’s newer players were central to it.
Suzuki provided the foundation.
Manzambi supplied the breakthrough.
Jackson produced the second.
For Villa, that gives the international break a very different feel.
