PHOTO GALLERY Tottenham, prematurely eliminated from the FA Cup under the eyes of Radu Drăgușin » The Romanian international, unused reserve in the possible last match for Spurs

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Those from Spurs started the match offensively, being constantly present around the opposing box, but Thomas Frank's students were unable to put the actions to fruition, and the guests took advantage.

Aston Villa, the more incisive team in the first 45 minutes

In the 22nd minute, Villa opened the scoring after a mistake by Micky van de Ven, who came out wrong to meet the opponent and allowed Emiliano Buendia to break into the box. He managed to score on the first shot dispatched by Unai Emery's team towards Tottenham's goal.

The hosts failed to respond, with Spurs' only further action after conceding the goal coming late in the first half when Kolo Muani, coming on for the injured Richarlison, managed to score, but his goal was disallowed for an obvious offside position.

What's more, Villa doubled their advantage in the last phase of the first half, after a phase in which Thomas Frank's defense was checkmated.

Donyell Malen broke into the Londoners' box, he passed it to Buendia, he deflected spectacularly with his heel to Morgan Rogers, and the Englishman executed Vicario with an execution in the long corner.

Thus, the formation from Birmingham entered the cabins with an advantage of two goals on the table.

Tottenham woke up after the break, but it was too late

The start of the second act, however, brought a completely different home team to the field. Similar to the start of the match, Thomas Frank's students pressed from the first minutes and in the second half of the match, but this time, Bizot's goal was penetrated.

Randal Kolo Muani did well with the ball at his feet in the opposition half, then released Wilson Odobert in the Villa box and the Frenchman reduced the deficit with a hopeless shot past the batting goalkeeper.

Afterwards, there followed a real siege by the hosts at Villa's goal, but each time, Unai Emery's defense escaped with a clean slate.

As expected, the end of the match found Tottenham still on the attack, rushing with all their might towards Bizot's goal. But in the end, Thomas Frank's team couldn't find the goal to send the game into overtime.

So Spurs were knocked out of the competition and, more than that, went without a win in 2026, with the London club's last success coming on December 28, 2025, 1-0 at local rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Radu Drăgușin could leave for Rome after the match with Aston Villa

Tonight's game may have been Radu Dragusin's last at Tottenham, given that he has received a written offer from AS Roma and could return to Serie A, according to mercato experts Gianluca Di Marzio and Nicolo Schira. The Romanian international is wanted by the Olimpico club on loan, with an obligation to buy in the summer.

Contacted by GSP.ro, Florin Manea, Drăgușin's manager, said: “Radu is a gladiator, and gladiators feel very good in Rome“.

“I am waiting for Tottenham to give a positive response to get things moving. There are other offers, but Italy remains special for Radu. He did very well in Serie A“, he also specified, during the “FantaMercato” show.

FINAL » Tottenham – Aston Villa 1-2

• Click HERE for statistics;

• They scored: W. Odobert (54') / E. Buendia (22'), M. Rogers (45+3');

• The 31st minute: Richarlison suffered a serious injury and, as with Kamara, the Brazilian had to leave the field. Randal Kolo Muani took his place;

• Minute 9: Boubacar Kamara was injured following a duel with Joao Palhinha and could not continue the game. Youri Tielemans replaced the Frenchman;

• Before kick-off, a moment of silence was held in memory of Martin Chivers (1945-2026) and Terry Yorath (1950-2026), former Spurs footballers from the 70s, who died at the ages of 80 and 75 respectively;

• For both teams it is the first match in the current edition of the FA Cup.

Tottenham – Aston Villa » Starting teams:

TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Vicario – Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Davies – Palhinha, Gray – Odobert, Simons, Richarlison – Tel
reserves: Kinsky – Byfield, DrăguşinKolo Muani, Scarlett, Solanke, Spence, Udogie, Williams-Barnett
Coach: Thomas Frank

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Bizot – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen – Bogarde, Kamara – McGinn, Rogers, Buendia – Malen
reserves: Wright – Digne, Garcia, Hemmings, Lindelof, Mings, Sancho, Tielemans, Watkins
Coach: Unai Emery

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Referee: Craig Pawson