Tottenham finally found the net in the Premier League but still suffered another damaging defeat as Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory in north London
Spurs had scored just one league goal in their opening four matches and looked on course for another frustrating afternoon after dominating large periods of the first half without finding a breakthrough.
Instead, Villa took their chances and left Tottenham with only two points from their first five league games.
Spurs waste chances before Villa strike
Roberto De Zerbi’s side started brightly and created several opportunities, but Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki repeatedly kept them out.
The Japan international produced an excellent double save to deny Savio after 11 minutes, first stopping his left-footed effort before reacting quickly to block the rebound.
Tottenham were dealt another setback when Pedro Porro was forced off with an injury, while Archie Gray later came close to scoring when his effort struck Suzuki’s heel and narrowly went wide.
Villa remained dangerous, particularly through Nicolas Jackson, who came close after combining with Emi Buendia before firing narrowly wide.
Tottenham’s inability to turn their pressure into goals eventually cost them. Just before half-time, Boubacar Kamara’s scuffed effort fell kindly for John Manzambi, who poked the ball home from close range.
Villa punish Spurs after the break
Tottenham thought they had ended their scoring drought shortly after the hour mark when Mohammed Kudus appeared to set up the equaliser.
However, VAR ruled the goal out after Andy Robertson was found to be offside in the build-up.
Villa then doubled their advantage in the 67th minute. Jan Paul van Hecke failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Jackson to exchange passes with Manzambi before firing into the corner.
Emi Buendia added a third 12 minutes later, curling a superb effort into the top corner from 25 yards and prompting sections of the home support to leave the stadium.
Tottenham finally got on the scoresheet when substitute Conor Gallagher scrambled home from Kudus’ cutback late on.
Van Hecke then headed in another consolation deep into stoppage time, but the goal came seconds before the final whistle.