Tottenham Hotspur were dumped out of a second cup competition in a matter of days as Aston Villa progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
A goal inside 60 seconds from Jacob Ramsey put the hosts on course at Villa Park, with visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky making a poor error to let a shot slip through his hands. Morgan Rogers converted a second after a goalmouth ricochet 25 minutes from time to make the result safe, with Unai Emery’s side the better team across the entirety of the contest. Mathys Tel gave Spurs hope of snatching a draw in stoppage time but it was ultimately too little, too late.
The pressure piles again on Ange Postecoglou, who had promised silverware in his second season at the club. With Premier League hopes long gone with Spurs languishing near the relegation places, the meek midweek Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool had already led to stern questions over the Australian manager’s future and growing unrest over the positions of both him and chairman Daniel Levy will only continue.
Re-live all the FA Cup action with our live blog below:
Aston Villa vs Tottenham LIVE
- Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Ramsey, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Malen.
- Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur; Moore, Kulusevski, Tel; Son.
- 2' GOAL! Jacob Ramsey stuns Spurs with early strike after Antonin Kinsky howler [AST 1-0 TOT]
- 65' GOAL! Rogers taps in from point-blank range after good work from Malen [AST 1-0 TOT]
Postecoglou reacts
20:02 , Chris WilsonSpurs boss Ange Postecoglou says his side are "obviously disappointed we don't progress”.
“It wasn't a great start, that's the last thing you want, and we really struggled to get some control. Then we had an enormous chance at 1-0 we didn't take to equalise.
"We got a better grip of the game but unfortunately fell short. When you go a goal down it gives the opposition momentum and confidence. You want to wrestle control early and we didn't do that,” he adds.
"The second half was a lot more like ourselves. The second goal sort of made it a bit more difficult but I always felt we were a threat - unfortunately just not enough.
"We still scored, we had opportunities to create more chances. We were always still in the game but conceding an early goal and a second makes it hard."
Ramsey and Rogers react
19:48 , Chris WilsonJacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers are first to speak to the media.
Ramsey says that he didn’t think Villa had been “in the fifth round for a long while”, so they're happy with the result.
“We wanted to put on a performance for the fans and we did that today,” he adds.
On his goal, he adds: “When I hit it, I thought the ‘keeper was going to catch it, but luckily for me it went into he back of the net.”
On the side in general, he says: “I think this is one of the best squads we’ve had. The squad depth is unbelievable.
“The payers who are coming in are a big threat,” he says, adding the players are going to have to “raise our game now”.
“It’s good to take what they’ve done and use it to our advantage. It’s massive to have people like that in the door.”
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:40 , Chris WilsonHere are the 14 teams that are through to the next round so far (tomorrow, Doncaster face Crystal Palace, while Exeter City host Nottingham Forest on Tuesday):
Premier League: Manchester City, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton, Manchester United, Wolves, Ipswich Town.
Championship: Burnley, Millwall , Preston, Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle.
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:34 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:30 , Chris Wilson96 mins
Villa actually end up creating a brilliant chance as Asensio changes passes with Rashford in the box before he fires a cross across the mouth of the goal, but nobody can get a touch!
No matter anyway, as the referee brings the match to an end and Villa go through to the fifth round!
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:28 , Chris Wilson95 mins
Some good work from both Ramsey and Tielemans win a free-kick for Villa which is also in a fairly dangerous area, though I don’t think they’ll be putting it into the box.
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:27 , Chris Wilson94 mins
Some great work from Spence wins a free-kick on the left wing, not far from the Villa box.
Son delivers, but again it’s straight to Martinez.
WE’ve got about a minute left here.
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:2693 mins
All of a sudden it’s pretty nervy at Villa Park and within the Villa backline, though Kulusevski’s attempt at another cross is overhit.
GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
19:25 , Chris Wilson92 mins
GOAL!
The curse of the online text commentator.
Spurs have one back, as a brilliant cross from Kulusevski is met by an equally great run from Tel, who finishes well past Martinez with the outside of his foot.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:24 , Chris Wilson91 mins
We’ll have five minutes of added time at Villa Park.
Spurs have possession but it feels like this match was done a while ago.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:23 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Villa were close to a golden opportunity to roll in Rashford to be clean through, but the pass in intercepted.
Moments later, Rashford does get into the box, but great covering work from Gray means that the youngster clears.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:2188 mins
Another disappointment from Spurs as the pass forward just goes out of play.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:20 , Chris Wilson87 mins
From the free-kick, Son rolls it Porro, who pokes a half-decent effort that Martinez does well to get across and catch.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:19 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Better from Spurs as Tel takes on Bogarde and wins a foul near the area. It’s a dangerous position for the visitors.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:18 , Chris Wilson85 mins
More positive play from Villa as Rashford knocks it down to Asensio, who then plays in Rogers, but the latter’s cross is overhit.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:17 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Villa are drawing plenty of fouls now as they manage to slow the game well. Spurs look out of it, really.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:15 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Villa bring on Ian Maatsen for Digne.
From the free-kick, Porro clears before Spence leads the counter, but he’s forced backwards.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:14 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Finally a booking for Porro as he brings down Ramsey on the wing. An embarrassing few minutes for the Spurs full-back.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:12 , Chris Wilson78 mins
CLOSE! The ball breaks to Porro in the box after some pinball, and his cross is a good one, but Danso sees it late and can’t get the right connection at the back post.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:10 , Chris Wilson77 mins
There’s some brilliant stuff on show here from Villa.
It’s supremely confident stuff to play out from the back under plenty of pressure, and with a few passes they’re one-v-one with Kinsky.
Rashford does well to start the move, dropping deep and laying off the pass before Ramsey is played through.
He drives towards goal and should probably do better as he hots his effort right at Kinsky.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:08 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Ridiculous refereeing from Anthony Taylor as Rashford is clearly clipped on the edge of the box by Porro, but he doesn’t give a free-kick.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:06 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Champagne stuff at Villa Park from Asensio and Rogers.
The ball breaks to the Spaniard and he flicks a backheel into the path of Rogers. The duo then exchange passes on the edge of the box before Rogers fires a decent effort into the side-netting.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:05 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Good pressure from Spurs, with Rashford at the heart of it before Tielemans narrowly misses connecting with a cross at the back post.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:0470 mins
Rashford’s first involvement is a collision with Danso, and after the Spurs man receives treatment, Villa win a corner with another promising attack.
Marcus Rashford on for debut
19:03 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkAn Aston Villa debut for Marcus Rashford and, after 426 appearances for Manchester United, a first for any other club. Rashford and Marco Asensio were set to come on before Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead. Their task seems simpler with a second goal, Tottenham's altogether bigger.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:0268 mins
Villa make two changes, with Bailey and Malen coming off for Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford.
This match marks the first time Rashford has appeared for a team other than Manchester United, then.
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
19:00 , Chris Wilson65 mins
GOAL! The hosts have doubled their lead!
It’s a brilliantly worked goal, with a decent slice of luck.
It starts off so well near halfway, with McGinn heading it down to Tielemans, who slips it to Malen.
The Dutchman gets into the box and exchanges passes with Bailey, with the Jamaican producing a lovely backheel. Malen fires the ball across the mouth of the goal, and though Spurs keep it out, it’s laid off perfectly to Rogers, who taps in!
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:57 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Another booking almost immediately as Rogers once again draws the foul, this time from Bergvall.
From the free-kick, Tielemans sweeps it to Bailey, who sees his cross collected by Kinsky.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:54 , Chris Wilson60 mins
A booking for Bentancur as he wrestles Rogers while the latter was trying to launch a counter.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:52 , Chris Wilson58 mins
CLOSE! Another Villa chance.
It’s simple too, as Spurs are caught running back to goal. McGinn drive towards goal and sweeps it into the path of Ramsey, who is one-v-one with Kinsky but fires too close to the ‘keeper.
Tottenham improving as they chase equaliser
18:52 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkSpurs have been better in the second half, aided by the introduction of Bissouma. They have looked more solid, which in turn has given them more of a platform to get forward. Son Heung Min is feeling menacing against the Villa defence with no real centre-backs.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:50 , Chris Wilson57 mins
A decent cross from Garcia is turned away after a great challenge from Danso.
Spurs counter and it comes to Kulusevski, who curls an effort from distance right at Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:49 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Now it’s Spurs’ time to press high, as they apply plenty of pressure on the makeshift central pairing of Bogarde and Kamara.
They win another corner as Porro gets away down the right and cuts it back to Son. The captain has space but elects to pass it, and the shot is blocked.
From the set-piece, Villa eventually get it clear after Bergvall’s attempted cross.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:47 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Digne should be fine really – the ball hit his head after being headed away by a teammate, so it’ unlikely he’ll be concussed. He seems fine to carry on.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:45 , Chris Wilson52 mins
There’s some brief concern for Digne as he stays down after the ball cannoned off his head.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:44 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Better from Spurs as Kulusevski hits a first time pass around the corner to Son, who drives towards goal before seeing his shot deflected behind after a great sliding challenge from Bogarde.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:43 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Spurs have started this half a little more assured in possession, though that may be partly because Villa aren’t pressing them too high at the moment.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:40 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Some good covering defending from Danso to shrug off Malen and then evade Bailey, but the Jamaican is down briefly.
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:39 , Chris WilsonThe hosts get the second half started at Villa Park.
Spurs make a change as Mikey Moore comes off for Yves Bissouma.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:35 , Chris WilsonWe’ll be back underway soon at Villa Park.
The hosts will be happy with how the first half went, and if they continue as they are they’ll likely be booking their place in the fifth round.
Spurs need a significant reply to address questions around their mentality and Postecoglou’s future.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:28 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:24 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the half to an end.
A dominant first half from the hosts at Villa Park, and though they lead, they’ll be disappointed that it’s only by one goal.
Spurs are still in this, as that Son chance showed, but they’ll need to be far better to win this one.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:23 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Spurs find some space in attack as it’s swept to Spence on the edge of the box, but his curled effort only finds the gloves of Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:22 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Just as we write that, Gray gives the ball away in his own half and it’s quickly slipped into the path of Malen, who breaks into the box but hits the side-netting with a low effort.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:21 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Not a lot happening as we approach the end of the half. Perhaps both sides could do with a reset.
There’ll be two minutes of added time here.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:20 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A sort of rare stoppage as a foul is given for obstructing the defender, with Ramsey blocking off the defender so Malen could get through.
Villa regain possession quickly, but they’re happy to pass it around their defensive third.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:18 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Unlucky from Garcia there as he wins the ball in his own half and exchanges passes with Bailey to get into the box, but the Jamaican’s through ball is overhit.
Villa come again, but Ramsey can’t find a way past Bentancur.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:16 , Chris Wilson40 mins
A good idea from Kulusevski as he tries to find Son with another early cross, but Martinez read it well to get off his line quickly.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:15 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Gray is Bucky to avoid a booking as he drags down Malen on the counter. Good centre-forward play from the Dutchman to hold it up and win the foul.
It’s still Villa who are controlling the game and performing more impressively at this moment.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:12 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Decent attacking play agains from the hosts, as Rogers finds Ramsey on the overlap before the latter’s cross is deflected away from Malen.
A big blow for Aston Villa
18:12 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkBad as Tottenham have been, there is one fact that should offer them some hope. With Ezri Konsa hobbling off, Villa are without any senior specialist centre-backs. The only fit one they have, new signing Axel Disasi, is cup-tied so it is a makeshift partnership of Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde at the back. That said, Spurs are without their two main strikers, in the injured Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:10 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Spurs get forward and it ends with them winning their first corner of the match, though the set-piece is poor.
Not clicking for Spurs in attack, bar that great chance for Son.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:08 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Another chance for Villa, this time forced after some great running from Rogers. He rides the challenge and there’s room in front of him, so he drives into space and fires a shot from distance.
Kinsky once again gets low to save it but the rebound bounces straight to Malen, who can’t quite react in time to get it on target.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:0529 mins
Both sides have been guilty of wasting promising attacks with the final pass, and Spurs are guilty of it again.
Villa counter and it’s worked through to Bailey, who fires a shot from range that forces a good save from Kinsky.
From the rebound, Ramsey finds the side-netting with his effort.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:0226 mins
Ezri Konsa is down and this could be another injury blow for Villa.
The England international comes off for Lamare Bogarde.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
18:00 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CLOSE! Son should score. Spurs break from that Ramsey chance and it comes to Moore on the right wing. He looks up and spots Son, sending a perfect early cross that the Spurs captain can only direct straight at Martinez.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:5923 mins
A let-off for Spurs as Ramsey takes a heavy touch in the box and the chance goes begging.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:56 , Michael CookeVilla play from deep, great skill to calmy get out of their own box. Bailey wins a throw in
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:54 , Michael CookeThrow in Spurs in their own half, visitors struggling to keep the ball, good pressure from the Villa attack further up the pitch as Tottenham struggle to get out of their half
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:51 , Michael Cooke15 mins
Garcia shot goes wide but a loose goal kick sends possession back to Villa and Malen’s shot goes over the bar from a shot under pressure.
Bailey shot saved and Villa attacking again, all the play in Tottenham’s half so far
Tottenham's disastrous start a mess of own making
17:50 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkA less than ideal start for Tottenham. At least three players were culpable in different ways for Jacob Ramsey's first-minute opener. A feature so far is Villa's ability to dribble past Spurs players in midfield. Postecoglou left out Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma after the insipid showing at Liverpool. A new-look midfield are yet to show more backbone.
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:49 , Michael Cooke12 mins
Villa in possession once again, holding it up well in the midfield with Ramsey, their attack ends in another corner as Tottenham try to weather this early pressure
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:47 , Michael Cooke11 mins
Bergvall foul in Villa half gives them the possession, throw in to the hosts who switch it to the far side, Ramsey riding challenges well, dangerous cross sent in by Bailey and they appeal for the free kick but possession is lost
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:45 , Michael Cooke9 mins
Tottenham in possession, being pressed hard by the villa strikers, great break down far wing as they look to build pressure, an early goal conceded giving them no option but to look for chances of their own
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:42 , Michael Cooke6 mins
Free kick sent into the box but finds no one, spurs throw deep in their own half, under early pressure from Villa as they look inspired by home support
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:41 , Michael Cooke5 mins
A lively start from the hosts as they play quickly up the field with skilful passing play down the left wing, foul by Tottenham in another attacking position for Villa
Aston Villa 1-0 Tottenham
17:39 , Michael Cooke3 mins
One goal up and another attacking corner swung in by Villa but headed away, Villa playing from deep and holding onto the ball
GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 ASTON VILLA (Jacob Ramsey, 1 minute)
17:38 , Michael CookeAston Villa strike inside a minute! A dream start for the hosts and a nightmare beginning from Antonin Kinsky, beaten much too easily by Jacob Ramsey’s drive.
There was a bit of power in Ramsey’s effort but surely not enough to beat the Tottenham goalkeeper? Through his hands it nonetheless bursts in to the net to leave Spurs behind almost instantly.
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Aston Villa 1 minute
17:36 , Michael CookeWe kick off here in Villa Park with Tottenham in possession playing right to left, and Aston Villa left to right
Postecoglou: "I get the pile-on at the moment"
17:21 , Chris WilsonIn his own conference, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said that he understands the criticism his players are coming under.
“It's really easy for people to stick their boots in and question the players - but I don't question. We were disappointed last night didn't go the way we wanted and we didn't perform at the levels - but that doesn't define this group of players in my eyes.
“We're an easy mark at the moment. Obviously, making a semi-final is an absolute disaster because we didn't play well. I assume not making a semi-final would've put us in a better place,” he added.
“I have a great deal of belief in these players, what they're going through and how they're dealing with it,” he said as he finished.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
17:18 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkUnai Emery resists the temptation to throw Marcus Rashford straight in for a debut as the new signing is only a substitute. With Ollie Watkins injured, it looks a question of whether Morgan Rogers or Donyell Malen plays centre-forward for Villa. Ange Postecoglou brings in four players to the Spurs team and three of them are teenagers, with a first start for Mathys Tel, as Tottenham bid to avoid exiting both domestic cup competitions in the space of four days.
Welcome to Villa Park, lads 🏠 pic.twitter.com/ALXyJzbkSR
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 9, 2025
Emery: "We will enjoy each step forward"
17:16 , Chris WilsonIn his pre-match conference, Villa boss Unai Emery fielded questions over Marcus Rashford, saying: “I only want the best football from him. I think he has huge potential to exploit.
“I don't want to know the reason he is leaving Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here and I am very happy to help him recover his performances.
“My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge with us is exciting."
On the potential for a permanent move, he added: “We will enjoy each step forward and then the future is only building with the present.
“If we are trying to get the future before we build the present it's impossible."
Match facts
17:10 , Chris WilsonVilla are looking to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2014-15, when they eventually reached the final before losing 4-0 to Arsenal.
Spurs have progressed from four of their last five FA Cup fourth round ties, though did lose 1-0 against Manchester City at this stage of the competition last season.
Head-to-head
17:05 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 155 times in the past, with Spurs winning 70, Villa winning 53, and 32 ending as draws.
Earlier this season, Spurs ran out 4-1 winners at hime against Villa, having beaten them 4-0 at Villa Park in the last meeting between the two in March of last season.
When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?
17:00 , Chris WilsonThe FA Cup returns this weekend as fans are treated to 16 fourth round fixtures, with plenty of potential for a giant-killing as Premier League sides face lower-tier opposition.
Aston Villa take on Tottenham, this evening, with the fourth round wrapping up on Tuesday night (11 February) as League One side Exeter City face high flying Nottingham Forest.
The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup will be done on Monday, 10 February at 7.10pm, with the ties themselves taking place across the weekend of 1 March.
When is the FA Cup fifth round draw? Date, start time, channel and how to watch
Match facts
16:55 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur have won nine of their last 10 away games against Aston Villa in all competitions (L1), with their last two wins coming by the same 4-0 scoreline (April 2022 and March 2024).
Team news: Tottenham
16:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleMathys Tel makes his first start for Tottenham with fellow January signing Kevin Danso also whistled in to the XI by Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur; Moore, Kulusevski, Tel; Son.
Your FA Cup Spurs ✊
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 9, 2025
🔢 @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/kFfJe0C3YF
Team news: Aston Villa
16:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleMarcus Rashford is on the bench as he awaits an Aston Villa debut, with Donyell Malen and Morgan Rogers in what looks a dynamic, versatile starting side.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Ramsey, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Malen.
How we start this evening to face Spurs 👊 #AVLTOT pic.twitter.com/0s2cemAXUi
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 9, 2025
Team news
16:30 , Chris WilsonLine-ups should be confirmed in the next five minutes, so here’s a recap of the early team news.
Emery confirmed that Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins will all miss the game, with the latter having come off at half-time during the defeat to Wolves.
Axel Disasi is cup-tied, having already appeared for Chelsea earlier in the season, though new signing Marcus Rashford could make his debut, as could fellow January addition Marco Asensio.
In his own press conference, Postecoglou said that no players will be returning to the squad ahead of the match, with Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson all out for the long-term. In addition, it was recently confirmed that Radu Dragusin has suffered an ACL injury.
In addition, Richarlison will likely miss the matcha after coming off injured against Liverpool, though the layoff for the calf injury is not yet clear. Micky van de Ven will also likely be unavailable for selection.
Why is there no VAR in the FA Cup fourth round?
16:20 , Chris WilsonThis has already provided some controversy this weekend...
The FA Cup continues this weekend with the fourth round of the old competition.
But fans of sides in the English top tier will notice a difference in their fixtures, with the video assistant referee (VAR) system not in use.
Introduced to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, protracted reviews and VAR decisions have become commonplace within fixtures in the division.
English football’s flagship club competition has previously only had VAR in operation at fixtures hosted at Premier League grounds or Wembley due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
But the organisers of the FA Cup have confirmed a different approach in this edition of the tournament.
The extra officials and accompanying technology will only be in place from the fifth round onwards, meaning that all games in rounds three and four will have no VAR regardless of the venue at which they are hosted.
Match facts
16:10 , Chris WilsonAston Villa have progressed from just one of their last six FA Cup ties against Tottenham Hotspur, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane in a third round replay after a goalless draw at Villa Park in 1992.
Pundits rip into ‘horrendous’ Tottenham performance on ‘low night’ for Ange Postecoglou
16:00 , Chris WilsonJamie Redknapp accused Tottenham of lacking fight after Ange Postecoglou’s side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpoolwithout managing a single shot on target during the 4-0 semi-final second-leg defeat.
Spurs took a 1-0 lead to Anfield but were blown away by the Premier League leaders in a one-sided victory. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk helped dismiss a Tottenham side who failed to land a punch.
Defeat signals a significant blow to Tottenham’s hopes of ending their trophy drought this season, with holders Liverpool progressing to face Newcastle at Wembley next month. Postecoglou’s side remain in the FA Cup and Europa League but are just 14th in the table, with the manager coming under further pressure.
Pundits rip into ‘horrendous’ Tottenham on ‘low night’ for Ange Postecoglou
FA Cup: Fourth round results so far
15:50 , Chris WilsonHere’s a quick rundown of the results so far in the fourth round, as well as some linked match reports.
Friday, 7 February
Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Saturday, 8 February
Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Leeds United 0-2 Millwall
Coventry 1-4 Ipswich
Preston 0-0 Wycombe (PNE win 4-2 on pens)
Stoke City 3-3 Cardiff (CAR win 4-3 on pens)
Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Wigan 1-2 Fulham
Speculation over my Tottenham future ‘doesn’t enter my head’ – Ange Postecoglou
15:35 , Chris WilsonAnge Postecoglou will shut out talk about his future and focus on trying to salvage Tottenham’s season when they travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Spurs collapsed at Liverpool on Thursday night in a 4-0 defeat that cost them a place in the Carabao Cup final.
Tottenham were without 10 players for the midweek clash, with injury issues a familiar theme since December, but Postecoglou knows speculation over his job will intensify if they exit a second competition in quick succession.
Speculation over my Tottenham future ‘doesn’t enter my head’ – Ange Postecoglou
Recap: Villa's busy winter window
15:25 , Chris WilsonAston Villa were one of the busiest teams in the league in the January market, with a total of 12 moves affecting the club.
Seven of these were outgoings, with Jhon Duran sold to Al Nassr for £64 and Jaden Philogene sold to Ipswich for £20m. Diego Carlos also left the club permanently, moving to Fenerbahce for around £9m.
In terms of signings, Donyell Malen came in as the only permanent arrival for around £20m, though Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi all joined on loan.
Tottenham are in limbo as Ange Postecoglou must ponder what comes next
15:15 , Chris WilsonAnge Postecoglou may be a prisoner of his deeds. Or he may be a prisoner of his words. “I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year,” he memorably said in September. There are times when it seems that Postecoglou can specialise in backing himself into corners, while simultaneously picking hills to die upon.
He may need to downgrade ‘always’ back to ‘usually’: after a 4-0 Carabao Cup shellacking at Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of domestic silverware could be ended within four days. It would leave only the Europa League and him probably with nothing to show for his season.
It may put him in good company. Tottenham’s finest managers of the last three decades, in Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Jol and Harry Redknapp, won nothing. Their only trophies in that time came from two unloved figures, in George Graham and Juande Ramos. Given chairman Daniel Levy’s apparent lack of interest in honours and focus on the bottom line, the more damning and damaging detail is the Premier League table, showing Tottenham in 14th, on course for their lowest finish in 21 years. They have not ended up below 14th for 31, since they were managed by Ossie Ardiles, another romantic from thousands of miles away who is fondly remembered for his attacking ethos but who was undermined by a combination of results and a seeming lack of interest in defending.
Tottenham are in limbo as Ange Postecoglou must ponder what comes next
Mathys Tel to make first Tottenham start against Aston Villa in FA Cup
15:00 , Chris WilsonMathys Tel is poised to start for Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Tel made his debut for Spurs against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final midweek, coming on in the first half as Ange Postecoglou’s side went down 4-0.
After the former Bayern star replaced the injured Richarlison, who has suffered a calf injury, and with fellow forward Dominic Solanke also on the sidelines hurt, Tel is ready to take on a leading role at Villa Park.
Mathys Tel to make first Tottenham start against Aston Villa in FA Cup
Prediction
14:45 , Chris WilsonWith Spurs still facing an injury crisis and off the back off a bruising loss in the Carabao Cup, it is difficult to see anything other than a Villa win this evening.
Aston Villa 3-1 Tottenham.
Predicted line-ups
14:40 , Chris WilsonAston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Rashford.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.
Team news
14:35 , Chris WilsonIn his own press conference, Postecoglou said that no players will be returning to the squad ahead of the match, with Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson all out for the long-term. In addition, it was recently confirmed that Radu Dragusin has suffered an ACL injury.
In addition, Richarlison will likely miss the matcha after coming off injured against Liverpool, though the layoff for the calf injury is not yet clear. Micky van de Ven will also likely be unavailable for selection.
Team news
14:27 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to the media in the lead-up to the game, Emery confirmed that Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins will all miss the game, with the latter having come off at half-time during the defeat to Wolves.
Axel Disasi is cup-tied, having already appeared for chelsea earlier in the season, though new signing Marcus Rashford could make his debut, as could fellow January addition Marco Asensio.
Is Aston Villa vs Tottenham on TV?
14:20 , Chris WilsonWhen is Aston Villa vs Tottenham?
The FA Cup fixture will kick off at 5.45pm GMT on Sunday 9 February at Villa Park in Birmingham.
What TV channel is it on?
This fixture will be shown free-to-air on BBC One in the UK, with subscribers also able to watch online via BBC iPlayer. Coverage begins at 5.20pm.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham LIVE
14:10 , Chris WilsonAston Villa take on Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup today, with the visitors hoping to bounce back from an embarrassing defeat last time out.
Spurs were soundly beaten by Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek, and were widely criticised for the performance in the 4-0 loss.
The pressure continues to mount on Ange Postecoglou, with Spurs also languishing in 14th in the Premier League, and today they face a Villa side who themselves had had mixed results in recent weeks.
Unai Emery’s side lost 2-0 to local rivals Wolves last weekend, but their season is far from over both domestically and in Europe, having booked an automatic place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham LIVE
14:00 , Chris WilsonGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s FA Cup fourth round match between Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Spurs come into the game off the back of a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, which drew plenty of criticism from fans and pundits.
And today they face a Villa side with some potentially exciting new additions from the January transfer window, with Marcus Rashford potentially making his debut for the Villans.
