After a home defeat to Tottenham, Mings said Aston Villa failed to show passion and fighting spirit.

Aston Villa, after trailing by two goals, suffered a 1-2 defeat to relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur in a key match of the 35th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to a late goal from Buendia. Mings stated in an interview that the team failed to show basic passion and fighting spirit during the game.

In the 12th minute, Tottenham Hotspur's attack was cleared, and Gallagher received the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a long-range shot that found the back of the net, giving Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 lead. In the 25th minute, Matisse Ter crossed from the right wing, and Richarlison rose to head the ball into the net, extending Tottenham Hotspur's lead over Aston Villa to 2-0.

In stoppage time of the second half, Matti Cash chipped a pass into the penalty area, and Buendia headed the ball into the net, helping Aston Villa pull one back to 2-1.

Ultimately, Aston Villa lost 1-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur. After suffering two consecutive defeats, Aston Villa are currently in 5th place in the standings with 58 points, 6 points ahead of 6th-placed Bournemouth.

Aston Villa defender Mings said, "I was disappointed with the performance in the first half. As a member of this club, energy, passion, fighting spirit and the desire to win are the most basic requirements, but I don't think any of that was shown in the first half, from the number 1 to the number 11 players."

“We kept counter-attacking in the second half, but the opponent’s formation was very solid, difficult to break through, and difficult to deal with. I think we deserved to lose in the end. It’s easy to blame a problem on a certain reason, but I won’t make any excuses for our performance in the first half.”

Mings pointed out, "We also discussed that our performance in this game was below expectations, but the coach also emphasized that we are still in a very good position, and we have put in a lot of effort to get here. We will carefully analyze the problems and avoid making the same mistakes again."

"This match was frustrating for the fans, who came here hoping to see a vibrant Aston Villa. Despite some changes to the lineup, we should have been more energetic and aggressive in pressing our opponents, but this result was disappointing for both the fans and us."

In addition, Aston Villa will host Nottingham Forest at home in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final.

Mings said, "This is a huge opportunity for the club, and we've always been very competitive in this competition. The opponents are strong, but at this stage, every game is tough."

"We are a confident team and we must continue to be so, while remembering the factors that got us here and the most basic things in the game, which are the foundation for winning."

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