Overview
- Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers struck before halftime for Villa, with Wilson Odobert pulling one back as Xavi Simons saw a potential equaliser ruled offside.
- Players and staff from both clubs clashed after full time when Ollie Watkins celebrated near Spurs, and Thomas Frank accused the forward of provoking João Palhinha.
- Tottenham lost Richarlison to a first-half hamstring injury, which Frank linked to a heavy festive schedule of fixtures.
- Home fans voiced frustration as Villa supporters taunted Frank over an Arsenal-branded cup photo, and media coverage said the defeat intensified speculation about his job security.
- Referee Craig Pawson faced criticism in post-match analysis for several contentious decisions, including incidents involving Simons and Watkins.