1. Too many chances conceded in the first half
Aston Villa was a team possessed in the first half of yesterday’s encounter. To go into the interval a goal up was a miraculous achievement. Spurs have Hugo Lloris’ inspired play to thank for that.
At least a handful of clear-cut, golden scoring opportunities fell Villa’s way and had it not been for Villa’s wastefulness in front of goal along with a collection of world-class saves, the result would have gone a different way.
Three world-class saves immediately come to mind:
Jacob Ramsey found himself one on one with Lloris. His arrowed a left-footed drive was, but for Lloris lion-like reaction save, headed for the top corner. John McGinn blasted a missile from long range that forced Lloris into an acrobatic save at full stretch.
Finally, Philippe Coutinho almost scored from a free kick at an acute angle on the cusp of halftime, which Lloris, with a last-gasp parry off the line, somehow kept out. Conte will want to address his side’s defensively porous first half.
Aside from those two primary concerns, Spurs will go into the Brighton match brimming with confidence, knowing fourth spot is now theirs to lose.