John McGinn issues message after Aston Villa's defeat at Tottenham

Unai Emery’s team suffered just their second Premier League loss of the season as they were overwhelmed in north London.

Morgan Rogers had put the visitors in front but Brennan Johnson levelled early in the second half before Dominic Solanke scored twice in the space of five minutes as the hosts took control.

James Maddison’s stoppage time free-kick increased the misery on Villa but skipper McGinn called for perspective at the start of a big week, which continues with a Champions League tie at Club Brugge on Wednesday. 

Villa then visit Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday night and McGinn said: "We've got to keep our heads a wee bit in there and have some perspective. Many teams will come here and suffer that defeat.

"It got loud. Probably as loud as I've heard it as an away player.

"It's about staying positive. Spurs beat us 4-0 last season and we finished above them.

"They punished our mistakes. We had a chance at 2-1 to equalise. The third one was a mistake and then a great free-kick from the fourth."

Villa took the lead in the 32nd minute through Rogers and then saw Ollie Watkins miss a great chance to double the lead before the break.

Johnson’s equaliser changed the mood and the visitors were then unable to match the intensity of the hosts as Emery endured a miserable 53rd birthday.

The boss said: “Keeping balance is the first message I can send in the dressing room because the season is 38 matches. 

“We are analysing each match and setting objectives. One is playing seven contenders for the top seven. 

“We have played three, Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham, and then there are other points along the way we have to be consistent getting them.

“Until today we have been consistent. We will need more. It is not enough. The first objective is to keep the top seven.”