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25 Facts About Aston Villa Vs Tottenham Timeline

Mary Santangelo

Written by Mary Santangelo

Published: 27 May 2025

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Source: Premierleague.com

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have a storied rivalry that dates back over a century. These two English football clubs have faced each other in countless memorable matches, each adding a new chapter to their rich history. From thrilling last-minute goals to controversial decisions, their encounters never fail to excite fans. But what makes this rivalry so special? Is it the passionate fan bases, the iconic players, or the high stakes often involved? In this article, we'll explore 25 fascinating facts about the Aston Villa vs. Tottenham timeline that highlight the intensity and drama of their clashes. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, these facts will give you a deeper appreciation for one of football's most enduring rivalries.

Table of Contents
01The Early Years
02Memorable Matches
03Record-Breaking Performances
04Modern Era Clashes
05Tactical Battles
06Fan Rivalry
07Managerial Duels
08Iconic Players
09Cup Competitions
10Statistical Insights
11Memorable Goals
12Transfer Tales
13Future Prospects
14The Final Whistle

The Early Years

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have a rich history that dates back over a century. Their encounters have produced some memorable moments.

  1. First Meeting: Aston Villa and Tottenham first faced each other on September 7, 1901. Villa won 2-1 in a thrilling match that set the stage for a long-standing rivalry.

  2. Founding Years: Aston Villa was founded in 1874, while Tottenham came into existence in 1882. Both clubs have storied pasts that contribute to their fierce competition.

Memorable Matches

Certain games between these two clubs have left an indelible mark on football history.

  1. 1957 FA Cup: The 1957 FA Cup saw Aston Villa defeat Manchester United in the final. However, their semi-final victory over Tottenham was a nail-biter, ending 2-1 in Villa's favor.

  2. 1961 Double: Tottenham's 1960-61 season was historic, as they won both the league and the FA Cup. They defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in the league that season, showcasing their dominance.

Record-Breaking Performances

Individual and team records have been set and broken in matches between these two clubs.

  1. Biggest Win: Aston Villa's biggest win over Tottenham came on April 14, 1928, when they triumphed 5-0. This remains one of the most lopsided victories in their encounters.

  2. Top Scorer: Harry Kane holds the record for the most goals scored in Aston Villa vs. Tottenham matches, with 10 goals to his name.

Modern Era Clashes

Recent years have seen some intense and closely fought battles between the two sides.

  1. 2015 Thriller: On November 2, 2015, Tottenham edged out Aston Villa 3-1 in a match that saw goals from Mousa Dembélé, Dele Alli, and Harry Kane.

  2. 2020 Comeback: Aston Villa staged a dramatic comeback on March 9, 2020, to win 3-2 against Tottenham, with Björn Engels scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.

Tactical Battles

The strategies and tactics employed by both teams have evolved over the years, leading to some fascinating contests.

  1. High Press: Tottenham's high pressing game under Mauricio Pochettino often troubled Aston Villa, leading to several victories during his tenure.

  2. Counter-Attack: Aston Villa's counter-attacking style, especially under Dean Smith, has been effective against Tottenham's possession-based approach.

Fan Rivalry

The fans of both clubs add an extra layer of intensity to these matches.

  1. Home Advantage: Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are known for their electric atmospheres, often giving the home team an edge.

  2. Traveling Fans: Both sets of supporters are known for traveling in large numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere at away games.

Managerial Duels

The managers of both clubs have played crucial roles in shaping the outcomes of these matches.

  1. Brian Clough: Although more famous for his time at Nottingham Forest, Clough's brief stint at Brighton saw him face Aston Villa, adding another layer to his storied career.

  2. José Mourinho: The 'Special One' had several memorable clashes with Aston Villa during his time at Tottenham, often coming out on top.

Iconic Players

Several legendary players have graced the pitch in Aston Villa vs. Tottenham matches.

  1. Paul Gascoigne: Gazza's performances for Tottenham in the late '80s and early '90s were often the difference in matches against Aston Villa.

  2. Gareth Barry: Aston Villa's midfield maestro was a constant thorn in Tottenham's side during his time at the club.

Cup Competitions

Cup matches between Aston Villa and Tottenham have produced some unforgettable moments.

  1. League Cup 1971: Tottenham defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in the 1971 League Cup final, with goals from Martin Chivers and Alan Gilzean.

  2. FA Cup 1995: Aston Villa knocked Tottenham out of the FA Cup in 1995 with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Dwight Yorke.

Statistical Insights

Numbers often tell a compelling story in football.

  1. Head-to-Head: As of 2023, Aston Villa and Tottenham have faced each other 170 times, with Tottenham winning 75, Aston Villa winning 57, and 38 matches ending in draws.

  2. Goals Galore: Matches between these two clubs have produced a total of 512 goals, averaging around 3 goals per game.

Memorable Goals

Some goals in these matches have become part of football folklore.

  1. David Ginola: Ginola's stunning solo goal for Tottenham against Aston Villa in 1999 is still talked about by fans.

  2. Jack Grealish: Grealish's long-range strike in 2019 helped Aston Villa secure a crucial win over Tottenham.

Transfer Tales

Player transfers between the two clubs have added another dimension to their rivalry.

  1. Kyle Walker: Walker moved from Aston Villa to Tottenham in 2009, going on to become one of the best right-backs in the Premier League.

  2. Alan Hutton: Hutton's transfer from Tottenham to Aston Villa in 2011 saw him become a fan favorite at Villa Park.

Future Prospects

The future looks bright for both clubs, with young talents emerging.

  1. Academy Stars: Both clubs have strong youth academies, with players like Jacob Ramsey for Aston Villa and Oliver Skipp for Tottenham showing great promise.

The Final Whistle

Aston Villa vs. Tottenham has given fans countless unforgettable moments. From thrilling last-minute goals to intense rivalries, this matchup never disappoints. Both clubs have rich histories, passionate supporters, and a knack for drama on the pitch. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, understanding the significance of these encounters adds depth to your appreciation of football.

Remember, every match is a new chapter in this storied rivalry. Keep an eye on future games, as they promise to deliver more excitement and memorable moments. Football isn't just a game; it's a shared experience that brings people together, and Aston Villa vs. Tottenham is a perfect example of that.

So, next time these two teams clash, you'll know the history and significance behind every kick, pass, and goal. Enjoy the game!

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