Danny Murphy and Ian Wright explain ‘cute’ reason behind Aston Villa’s collapse against Tottenham

Aston Villa avoided heavy criticism on Match of the Day on Saturday evening despite their heavy defeat to Tottenham.

Steven Gerrard’s men suffered their fourth straight defeat on Saturday when they lost 4-0 to an in-form Tottenham side.

Villa performed well in the first half, putting on a first half display that left Gerrard ‘proud’, despite Son Heung-min handing the visitors a first half lead.

But some key adjustments from Antonio Conte in the second half saw Tottenham pull away in style.

Son added two more to complete his hat-trick, and Dejan Kulusevski also got in on the action.

It was a disappointing score-line and a disappointing drop off from Villa in the second half, but Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Ian Wright were not too critical.

Asked what changed the game, Murphy said: “I think for two reasons. I think the manager used some clever words, some harsh words, changed it a little bit tactically, but the clinicalness and the ruthlessness of the front two made the difference.

“They (Spurs) got the goal early, a little bit of a punt up field, but that sprung Villa to life and Tottenham got complacent.

“They started playing out laxidaisical, invited Villa onto them, who pressed really well, winning the ball back and they kept making chances this way.

“But like any good manager would, at half time, he has had a word and Kane uses his physical presence.

“Son’s ability, the timing of his runs off Harry Kane, is as good as I’ve seen. They started missing out the press, they didn’t let Villa back into the game, and the long balls killed Villa.

“It was a cute tactical change.”

Gary Lineker then asked Wright: “Villa shouldn’t be too down on themselves, should they?”

And Wright responded: “Like Steven Gerrard said, he went in at half-time proud of his team.

“The work they put in, you have to take your chances. The goalkeeper was magnificent today.

“You have to take the chances when you get them.”