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Published Sep 18, 2026, 6:40 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for several of the company's biggest football publications, including Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the wider implications of football's biggest talking points.
Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has developed an extensive understanding of North London's biggest clubs, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. He has cultivated trusted contacts within the football industry that help inform his reporting and analysis.
Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Tottenham welcome Aston Villa to north London on Saturday knowing that something has to give between two clubs enduring miserable starts to the Premier League season.
Spurs have collected only two points from four matches and are still waiting for their first league goal under Roberto De Zerbi.
REUTERS/Scott HeppellDefeats against Brentford and Newcastle were followed by goalless draws with Nottingham Forest and Everton, leaving them just above the bottom three.
There have been signs of defensive improvement, but the lack of cutting edge is impossible to ignore.
Tottenham have reached promising areas without making the final pass or finish count, and while Tuesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool at least brought a goal against a Premier League side, it did little to ease the scrutiny.
|
Possession |
43.5% |
56.5% |
|
Total shots |
12 |
17 |
|
Shots on target |
5 |
6 |
|
Shots off target |
2 |
5 |
|
Blocked shots |
5 |
6 |
|
Expected goals |
1.25 |
2.26 |
|
Big chances missed |
2 |
3 |
|
Corners |
5 |
9 |
|
Completed passes |
305 |
413 |
|
Passing accuracy |
82.9% |
86.4% |
|
Fouls |
15 |
11 |
|
Offsides |
1 |
3 |
|
Goalkeeper saves |
5 |
2 |
|
Yellow cards |
3 |
2 |
|
Red cards |
Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off is Spurs’ final match before the international break and a first league victory would seriously change the mood around the club, amid reports that De Zerbi is already under pressure.
Villa are also searching for lift off.
Unai Emery’s side have taken one point from four league games and lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Their 3-1 cup win at Coventry City on Wednesday provided a timely boost, with Tammy Abraham scoring twice. However, neither side can afford to treat this meeting as anything other than a major opportunity.
De Zerbi has received some welcome team news, with Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison all available.
REUTERS/Dylan MartinezDejan Kulusevski definitely won't be rushed back for the Villa game, but his return to first-team training this week represents a major step after his lengthy knee injury.
De Zerbi tips Dejan Kulusevski to be like 'another new signing' for Tottenham
The Sweden international has not played since suffering the problem in May 2025.
His recovery has included setbacks, making Tottenham determined to take every possible precaution before clearing him for competitive football.
De Zerbi believes a fully fit Kulusevski could have the impact of another major arrival once he is finally ready, tipping him for a major impact on the side.
“We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, with the medical staff, physical staff," he told reporters.
"But it's a great thing for us because he's a good player, he's a good guy. He deserves to play again. We have to work day by day,"
“Also, for Deki, it's important the international break, because when he will be at the top of condition and pass over the injury, I think it's a great signing, a new signing for us, another new signing.”
Kulusevski has faced an exhausting road back, but De Zerbi insists the attacker has never needed help to stay motivated.
"He doesn't need my encouragement, because he's strong, he has a great character, and he's an example for everyone.”
That praise shows how highly Kulusevski is regarded inside Tottenham, both as a footballer and as a member of the dressing room.
His strength on the ball, creativity and ability to operate in several attacking roles would give De Zerbi something different.
Spurs urgently need a goal and a win before the break, with Maddison’s availability offering hope that their attack can finally start to click.
Kulusevski will watch this one from the sidelines, but his comeback is edging closer.
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