When the final whistle blew at Villa Park on May 16, 2025, Aston Villa fans roared in celebration. A 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur isn't just another three points, it's a statement. It kept Aston Villa's chance alive in the race for a top-five finish,

Spurs lined up in a shape much more akin to a Jose Mourinho-esque 4-4-2, with Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert playing through the middle and a very clear “two banks of four” structure keeping Villa from playing through the middle. There was also a distinct lack of a press, with Spurs sitting deep and looking to catch the Villains on the counter.