Premier League issue statement after Tottenham vs Aston Villa controversy

Tottenham's 3-2 loss to Aston Villa proved to be controversial.

The visitors took a three-goal lead through Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia.

However, Roberto De Zerbi's side fought back with a deflected effort from Conor Gallagher and a header from Jan Paul van Hecke.

It was too little, too late, though, and leaves Spurs still waiting for their first win of the campaign in the Premier League.

Referee Sam Barrott was forced to decide on several incidents in the contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One of his calls possibly decided the result of the clash, with help from the video assistant referee.

What have the Premier League said about Tottenham controversy?

Mohammed Kudus thought he had equalised in the 59th minute when he found the net.

However, the goal was ruled out due to Andy Robertson being offside in the build-up.

The Premier League have now released a statement after the VAR's decision to deny the goal.

In a post on their match centre account, they said: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and determined that Robertson was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

The call is a disappointing one for the Lilywhites, but it was justified as the attached image shows.

What does De Zerbi need to do?

De Zerbi needs to put in immense work in the international break - it is as simple as that.

While his side eventually scored twice, they have not been successful enough from the chances that they have created.

That was their first two goals in five top-flight matches, which is simply not good enough for a side that has spent so much money.

He needs to find a way to unlock his attacking players while some of his charges are away with their national teams.

It is paramount that they start taking their chances, especially the ones earlier in the game, so that they are not in a position where it is too late to impact the match.

If they had have done that against the Villans, they may have come away with a different outcome.

If he can't, it will be a difficult campaign, and could result in him being dismissed from his post sooner rather than later.

That would be the worst result possible for all connected with the N17 side, but it looks like a more realistic outcome now.