Premier League 2019/20 - Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa: 5 Talking Points

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off the new season at home and got their campaign off to a winning start, beating newly promoted Aston Villa 2-1.

In what was expected to be a regulation victory for the hosts, the Villains gave a good account of themselves as the Champions League finalists were a given a run for their money.

Aston Villa retained the core of their promotion-winning team and made as many as 12 new signings.

Only Manchester United spent more money on transfers in the summer transfer window, a clear indication of Villa's intentions for the forthcoming season.

New recruits Mahmoud Trezeguet and Wesley Moraes feature from the start for the Claret and Blue Army and Tanguy Ndombele, Spurs' record signing, also made his competitive debut for his new team.

Villa got the better of their opponents in the opening exchanges and scored a well-deserved goal early in the first half, as John McGinn latched on to a brilliant Tyrone Mings long ball to slot coolly past Hugo Lloris.

Spurs were made to wait for their equalizer and it came in the form of new signing Tanguy Ndombele, whose sweetly struck shot from the edge of the penalty area gave Tom Heaton no chance.

Talisman Harry Kane proved once again that his August hoodoo is nothing more than a myth as his late brace sealed the victory for the hosts.

In a tightly contested game, it was a tale of two halves for Aston Villa as they struggled to get a grip on the game in the closing stages despite giving a good account of themselves in the first half.

On that note, let's look at some of the talking points from the game.

#1 Tyrone Mings proves why Villa paid the big bucks for him

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa - Premier League

Aston Villa signed Tyrone Mings from Bournemouth for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million and the Englishman impressed at the back against a quality side like Spurs.

Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline, Mings was one of the standout players of the game as he made decisive contributions on both ends of the pitch.

His wonderfully lofted post got Villa on their way as McGinn applied the finishing touch for the opening goal of the game.

Mings marshaled the Villa back-line as they kept Spurs at bay for large parts of the game and the club's decision to pay the big bucks for him has been vindicated in the first game of the season.

#2 Tanguy Ndombele shines on his competitive debut for Spurs

Tanguy Ndombele, the club's record signing, got his first taste of competitive action in the Premier League and the French midfielder had a debut to remember.

Starting in midfield alongside Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, Ndombele overcame his slow start and kept growing in stature as the game progressed.

Tom Heaton had no chance as Ndombele's sweetly struck shot from outside the penalty area drew Spurs level in the second half.

Spurs grew in confidence after the goal and Ndombele was central to all their moves as Kane's late double completed the comeback for the hosts.

The Frenchman was substituted to a standing ovation from the home faithful as he capped off a fine debut with a well taken goal.

Ndombele showed glimpses of why he was one of the most sought after midfielders in world football this summer and his form in the center of the park will be crucial to Spurs' title hopes.

#3 Mauricio Pochettino's astute changes turned out to be the game-changer

Spurs lined up with a 4-4-2 diamond in the first half, with Harry Winks stationed at the base of the midfield. Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko started either side of the English as free No.8's and Erik Lamela was at the tip of the diamond.

With Lucas Moura and Harry Kane up front, Spurs' side looked solid on paper but they failed to make a mark on the game as Villa went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

Mauricio Pochettino withdrew Winks in favor of Christian Eriksen in the second half and his tactical tweak proved to be the game-changer.

Spurs lacked chemistry in the first half but Pochettino's substitution coupled with the change of formation allowed Spurs to take control of the game in the closing changes.

The Lilywhites looked like a much better unit in a 4-2-3-1 and scored three goals in the second half as they ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Pochettino is widely regarded as one of the best tacticians in world football and his game-changing substitution against a stubborn Villa outfit adds further weight to this hypothesis.

#4 A tale of two halves for Aston Villa

Aston Villa started the game strongly and looked the part in the top-flight as the gave the Champions League finalists a run for their money.

Spurs were pegged back in the opening exchanges and Villa announced their return to Premier League in style.

Tyrone Mings' long ball was controlled and slotted into the back of the net coolly by John McGinn as the newly-promoted side registered a shock lead.

The Claret and Blue Army maintained their shape and looked solid in the first-half but they were given a timely reminder of the harsh reality of the Premier League.

Spurs took initiative in the second half and although Villa did their best to absorb all the pressure, the London side hit back to cap off a whirlwind second half.

The first half was in stark contrast to the second for the visitors and the newly-promoted side will look to see out games better as they aim to sustain their stay in the top-flight.

#5 Harry Kane looks as good as he's ever been

Harry Kane is widely regarded as the best center forward in world football currently and the England captain gave us a timely reminder of his capabilities.

The Englishman struggled with injuries last season and wasn't in the running for the golden boot but if pre-season and the opening encounter of the season is anything to go by, he looks like he could be back to his best.

Kane didn't have a sniff in the first half but Spurs' talisman delivered when it mattered the most.

With the scores tied 1-1, Jack Grealish was pick-pocketed on the edge of the penalty area and Kane's instinctive finish put the London club ahead in the closing stages.

The 26-year-old put the icing on the cake in stoppage time as he buried one into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to cap off a victory for the hosts.

With their talisman off the mark early in the season, Spurs will be counting on his to stay fit and deliver the goods consistently as they look to mount a title challenge.

Edited by Zaid Khan