Emiliano Buendia had put Villa ahead in the 22nd minute of a half which looked like men against boys, and when Rogers scored in the third minute of stoppage time, it looked grim for Spurs. It all made for a cracking cup tie on a chilly evening that proved once again that Villa are among the best sides in the land and Spurs are desperately seeking a break. Xavi Simons started to show his qualities, and Tottenham's young French forwards Odobert and Mathys Tel looked dangerous. But it was a different story in the first 45 minutes, as Villa found it far too easy to slice through Tottenham's defence. Malen cut in from the right and Buendia backheeled the ball into the path of Rogers, who steered a low shot into the far corner.

Source: Irish Examiner January 10, 2026 20:25 UTC