Why Micky Van De Ven was removed from pitch for Aston Villa goal vs Tottenham

The Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven had to be taken off the pitch after receiving assistance from the medical staff during the Premier League match against Aston Villa

Micky van de Ven was taken off after suffering a cut beneath his eye in a collision during Tottenham's match against Aston Villa, with the enforced treatment leaving Tottenham down to 10 men for the phase of play that led to the visitors' opening goal. Spurs conceded the opener in first‑half stoppage time, having seen several efforts denied by the home side.

Under the Premier League's new rules, any player who receives on‑pitch medical attention must leave the field for at least one minute once play restarts - an increase from the previous 30‑second requirement. During Van de Ven's enforced absence, Andy Robertson kept a ball in play to prevent a corner, and Boubacar Kamara fired a shot that Johan Manzambi diverted into the net.

Manzambi became the third‑youngest player to score on their first Premier League start for Villa, behind Gabriel Agbonlahor v Everton in March 2006 (19 years and 156 days) and Carlton Cole vs Southampton in August 2004 (20 years and 307 days).

It was a disappointing moment for Spurs, who had started on the front foot and put early pressure on Unai Emery's side, with several chances denied by Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before the visitors capitalised on their only opportunity of the half.

Former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy, who spoke to the BBC at half‑time, said Spurs had started well but allowed Villa back into the game.

"In the first half-hour they [Spurs] showed good intensity, controlled the tempo of the game and created a few chances - not great chances but shots that forced the keeper into a couple of good saves. And then, as has happened in weeks previous, they've let the opposition grow into the game and gain confidence," he said.

"Then to concede when they're down to 10-men with Van de Van off injured is a big blow to them and makes the second half very difficult. They didn't really look like a team struggling for confidence, they won the ball back a lot high up and there was a lot to like, but ultimately if you can't score when you're on top in games in the Premier League you get punished."

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

While the home fans are trying to lift their side, there has been many sideways passes and balls played backwards.

Spurs, who were still without a Premier League goal this season, thought they had finally ended that drought when Mohammed Kudus tapped in from a yard out, but Robertson was ruled offside in the build‑up from Sandro Tonali's pass.

Shortly after, ex‑ Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson doubled Villa's lead in the 67th minute, prompting large numbers of home fans to head for the exits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Emi Buendia then stretched the advantage, sweeping in a third in the 79th minute.

Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke scored for the Lilywhites, but their efforts weren't enough to secure a point.

It is set to be a international break for De Zerbi and his players with the extended international period only adding to the pressure.