Aston Villa punish Hugo Lloris mistake to shock Spurs

LONDON: Antonio Conte admitted Tottenham face a fight to finish in the Premier League’s top four after a costly mistake from Hugo Lloris condemned the north Londoners to a damaging 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.Playing for the first time since France’s World Cup final defeat against Argentina, Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris weakly spilled Douglas Luiz’s shot early in the second half and Emiliano Buendia pounced to put Villa ahead.Lloris was left on the bench for Tottenham’s draw against Brentford on December 26 as he rested after France’s agonizing final loss in Qatar.The 36-year-old, who conceded three times against Argentina before France lost on penalties, might have wished he had been given longer to recover after his blunder against Villa.Brazilian midfielder Luiz added Villa’s second goal in the closing stages, leaving Conte’s side to endure jeers from frustrated fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Tottenham had hoped the first Premier League match of 2023 would serve to kick-start their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top four finish.Instead, they suffered a New Year’s Day hangover as mid-table Villa punished a lethargic display.Fifth placed Tottenham have failed to win both of their matches since the World Cup break, a dip in form which has allowed fourth placed Manchester United to climb two points above them.“We understand very well that the league will be really difficult for us,” Conte said.“I want to be honest, I want to be very clear. I have said this to the club, I have said my opinions.“The fans deserve the best.

Maybe to stay in 5th is the best. Maybe 6th, 7th, 5th or 4th is the best.”Claiming Tottenham lack the creative quality to break down defensive opponents like