Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi criticized his team's performance after a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa, calling on squad 'leaders' to 'lead the team' following defensive errors that led to early goals. He expressed frustration over conceding shortly after Micky van de Ven's halftime injury left Spurs with 10 men, questioning defensive organization and communication. De Zerbi emphasized that the team must defend compactly and take responsibility, particularly when not dominating possession.

He refused to speak to players post-match, citing disappointment in the performance despite a late fightback. The loss leaves Tottenham with just two points and a minus-6 goal difference after five Premier League games, their worst start since 2008-09. De Zerbi acknowledged Aston Villa's increased use of long balls and admitted tactical preparation was discussed in meetings.

He stressed that leaders must step up during challenging moments, especially when the game shifts from attack to defense. The defeat marked another home loss for Spurs, with Villa matching Tottenham's domestic wins at the stadium over the past year.