Antonio Conte believes his side faces a fight to finish in the Premier League’s top four after a costly mistake from Hugo Lloris condemned Tottenham Hotspurs to a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

Lloris, who was playing for Tottenham for the first time since France lost the World Cup final to Argentina, fumbled Douglas Luiz’s shot early in the second half, and Emiliano Buendia scored to put Villa ahead.

Lloris didn’t play in Tottenham’s draw with Brentford on December 26 because he was still tired from France’s painful loss in the final in Qatar.

The 36-year-old gave up three goals against Argentina before France lost on penalties. After his mistake against Villa, he might have liked more time to recover.

Luiz, a Brazilian midfielder, scored Villa’s second goal late in the game. Frustrated Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fans booed Conte’s team after that.

Tottenham had hoped that the first Premier League game of 2023 would be the start of their push to finish in the top four and get into the Champions League for next season.

Instead, they had a hangover on New Year’s Day as mid-table Villa punished a slow performance.

Placed fifth Since the World Cup break, Tottenham hasn’t won either of its two games. This drop in form has helped fourth-place Manchester United move up two points and pass Tottenham.

“We understand very well that the league will be really difficult for us,” Conte said.

“I want to be honest, I want to be very clear. I have said this to the club, I have said my opinions.

“The fans deserve the best. Maybe to stay in 5th is the best. Maybe 6th, 7th, 5th or 4th is the best.”

He added: “We found a team that defended too deep and then we conceded the first goal.

“I’m sure that if we don’t concede the goal, we could win the game. The goal that we conceded killed us in confidence.

“We don’t have many players who are really good to beat the man. We don’t have many creative players in our team.”