Three things learned from huge Spurs win as midfield solution emerges
Tottenham earned only their second Premier League home victory of the campaign, overcoming Brentford 2–0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a performance that felt as restorative as it was overdue.
Richarlison opened the scoring midway through the first half, steering in a simple finish after a sharp low delivery from Xavi Simons. The Dutchman, making his first start in a month, then doubled Spurs’ advantage shortly before the interval with a brilliant individual effort that underlined why so many at the club are eager to see him start more regularly.
Brentford threatened sporadically after the break, with Mohammed Kudus forcing a key save, but Tottenham remained composed throughout, ultimately easing to three much-needed points and reducing some of the pressure that had begun to weigh heavily on manager Thomas Frank.
Simons Stars on Long-Awaited Return
Xavi Simons’ time at Tottenham had begun quietly, with injuries and competition for places limiting his early impact. Yet on this occasion, the 22-year-old showcased exactly the kind of dynamism and incisiveness Frank has been searching for.
Much of the pre-match discussion revolved around whether Simons could secure a place on the left flank, especially after Frank publicly admitted that no one in his squad had yet made that role their own. Instead, Simons was deployed on the right—and instantly justified the decision.
It was from that position that he burst onto Pedro Porro’s delicate clipped pass, beating his marker for pace and squaring across goal for Richarlison to slot home. His celebration, an animated gesture towards supporters who had vented their frustrations loudly just a week earlier, revealed a player determined to make his mark.
Simons’ confidence only grew. Moments before half-time he intercepted possession in his own half, surged past two Brentford players, and finished calmly beyond Caoimhin Kelleher. It was a move that blended work rate, vision, and composure—qualities Tottenham have often lacked this season.
Throughout the match, Simons popped up everywhere: drifting wide, cutting inside, linking play, and injecting urgency into Tottenham’s build-up. His performance felt like a preview of what he could become—perhaps even the creative catalyst Spurs have been missing.
A Shift in Atmosphere: Spurs’ Home Form Shows Signs of Life
Seven days earlier, Tottenham’s players had trudged off to a chorus of boos after a disappointing defeat to Fulham. This time, however, the mood inside the stadium was markedly different.
Brentford initially appeared well-organised, repelling several early Tottenham crosses. But once Richarlison and Simons struck, the tone of the match—and the reactions of the crowd—shifted dramatically. By half-time, the home supporters were applauding their team off the pitch, sensing a renewed energy and conviction in Spurs’ performance.
Frank, who had found himself engaged in a tense back-and-forth with some sections of the fanbase in recent weeks, will have welcomed both the improved atmosphere and the result. Tottenham limited Brentford to a single effort on target, controlled key moments, and produced a level of intensity that has too often been absent from their home displays.
More than just three points, this felt like a statement—perhaps even a turning point. The supporters responded accordingly, meeting the final whistle with enthusiasm rather than frustration.
Gray Delivers a Composed Midfield Performance
One of the most encouraging aspects of the afternoon was the mature showing from 19-year-old Archie Gray. Frank admitted before the match that he still does not know his best XI, but Gray’s display may have nudged the young midfielder closer to securing a regular role.
Having been deployed all over the pitch this season, Gray’s versatility has at times worked against him. Yet positioned centrally beside Rodrigo Bentancur, he offered a blend of composure, energy, and positional awareness that helped Spurs control the midfield battle.
Brentford attempted to impose themselves physically early on, but Gray steadily grew into the match—breaking up play, driving the ball forward, and supporting Tottenham’s press with remarkable discipline for a teenager.
His performance embodied the overall shift in Tottenham’s intensity. Where the team had previously been passive at home, here they hunted the ball with purpose, often winning it high and transitioning quickly.
If Frank has been searching for stability in midfield, Gray may just have presented himself as the solution.
A Performance to Build On
For a Tottenham side in need of reassurance and momentum, this victory ticked nearly every box. A revitalised atmosphere, standout individual displays, tactical clarity, and—crucially—three points earned with conviction.
While tougher tests lie ahead, this match felt like an important step towards rebuilding both confidence within the squad and trust between the team and its supporters. If Simons continues to find rhythm, Gray continues to mature, and the collective work rate remains high, Spurs may finally be turning a corner at home this season.