Tottenham's woes this season were only extended further on Saturday as they made the trip to the Midlands to face Aston Villa. Spurs needed a win to keep their slim chances of gaining a top four finish this campaign alive, having to overturn a six-point deficit in their final three games.
However, those hopes faded early on as Jacob Ramsey's strike in the box gave the Villains a lead within the opening ten minutes of the tie. Harry Kane missed a glorious chance to equalise in the second half before Douglas Luiz's free kick 18 minutes from the end doubled the home side's advantage.
Kane won a penalty in stoppage time after being felled by Emi Martinez, beating the shot stopper from the spot with the subsequent spot kick. It wasn't enough though as the Lilywhites were denied a late comeback, with Son Heung-Min's 97th minute equaliser chalked off for offside, falling to defeat and moving Villa level on points and confirming there will be no top four finish.
READ MORE: Ryan Mason could be about to hand next Tottenham manager key part of his future blueprint
The result has really put the cat amongst the pigeons in the race for Europe, with their opponents and Brighton hot on their heels for qualification. As usual, the national media have reacted to the clash and have given their thoughts on how the tie played out.
The Guardian
The Guardian took focus on Aston Villa's turnaround that has seen them pushing for the Europa League this season, but did give some harsh criticism of Tottenham.
The report said: "It would have been a travesty if Spurs departed anything but empty-handed and Douglas Luiz wrapped up the three points for Villa on 72 minutes. He flighted a right-foot strike towards the top corner, which Forster could not keep out with his left hand.
"Every outfield player celebrated in front of the delirious Holte End, who sensed that European nights might be coming back to Villa Park."
The Telegraph
The Telegraph gave a scathing review of Tottenham both on and off the pitch in comparison to their opponents Aston Villa.
A huge claim in the report was that Villa are "everything Tottenham aren't", making the point that Spurs lack leadership as they drift towards the end of the season, while their rivals appear to have purpose and are moving in one direction.
READ NEXT:
Ryan Mason sees Eddie Howe as inspiration in bid to be next Tottenham boss amid Nagelsmann news
Tottenham stance on Julian Nagelsmann revealed as Daniel Levy makes manager decision
Every word Ryan Mason said on Harry Kane's views on Tottenham's problems and Kulusevski future
Tottenham stance on permanent Dejan Kulusevski transfer revealed amid Juventus return talk
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
