Something for the Weekend – Smith Aims to Make Statement at Spurs

Smith Aims to Dent Another Poor Villa Record

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Villa 12 times in the last 14 encounters. It’s just not on. Dean Smith’s Villa team finished off last season with an impressive win at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the only time in addition to Tim Sherwood orchestrated 1-0 win at White Hart Lane, that Villa have won in the last 21 matches between the teams.

After lifting the hoodoo against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, it’s time to make a habit of banishing such demons.

There’s no doubt that Smith will look to the formation of 3-5-2 to work it’s magic again, it certainly provides a viable option to cover the injured Leon Bailey, who perhaps doesn’t start in it anyway.

The most intriguing thing is there seems to be another gear or two that this Villa team can hit.

Smith’s Great Expectations

Villa boss Dean Smith certainly thinks so too, stating there was more to come from his team.

“We’re not firing on all cylinders at all yet, and the players know that,” said Smith.

“If I look at the performance against Manchester United, the pleasing thing was there were a lot of seven out out tens but there wasn’t a lot of nine or ten out of tens.

“There’s an awful lot we can do and work towards.”

Spurs Strange Start

After winning their first three games of the season, 1-0, Spurs have since slumped to three disappointing defeats against London rivals, conceding three goals in each of the games.

Smith offered up some sympathy for Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who has now come under pressure from fickle fans and pundits alike.

“They’ve had an indifferent month but that can happen,” reflected Smith. “This league is a tough league to play in. They won their first three games without conceding a goal and now all of a sudden they’re struggling defensively.”

“They’ve got a very, very good squad of players. I’ve got an awful lot of respect for Nuno and believe he’ll do a good job.”

Ultimately though, it’s a good time to play Spurs, and Smith will know that and hopefully try to take advantage.

In the latest Something for the Weekend, My Old Man Said podcast episode, we look more closely at the game ahead and how it’s likely to play out. We also catch up on other issues like the red list international call-ups, in the lead up to a game that will be Villa’s last before the upcoming international break.

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Credits: 

David Michael – @oldmansaid

Chris Budd – @BUDD_music

My Old Man Said – https://myoldmansaid.com

Editor/Producer – David Michael

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