Xavi Simons finally explodes as 3/10 flop terrible – Tottenham player ratings vs Brentford
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham finally produced the kind of commanding home display their supporters have been craving, easing to a confident 2–0 victory over Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After weeks of frustration and growing pressure around the club, Spurs came out with a much sharper intensity. Their early improvement was rewarded in the 25th minute when Richarlison opened the scoring, finishing at the back post after a blistering run from Xavi Simons, the summer signing whose performances have sparked plenty of debate. Simons, heavily criticised for underwhelming displays since his arrival, showed the composure and vision Tottenham fans have been desperate to see as he raced down the right flank and provided the perfect cut-back.
Simons’ resurgence didn’t stop there. Moments before halftime, the Dutchman produced a moment of brilliance that may well go down as a turning point in his Spurs career. Winning the ball deep in his own half, he embarked on a sensational solo run, driving through the Brentford midfield before guiding a precise finish into the far corner. It was his first goal for the club and a symbolic one—perhaps signalling the beginning of a new chapter for both player and team.
The match carried significant weight for Thomas Frank, who entered the weekend facing questions about his future and the possibility of a premature dismissal. Up against the club he previously departed in the summer, Frank got exactly the reaction he needed: organised defending, forward momentum, and a clear sense of togetherness.
There was, however, one nervy moment. Captain Cristian Romero, who had been the hero against Newcastle, risked undermining his side’s progress when he lunged into a challenge around the half-hour mark—a tackle that many thought could have earned a red card. But the Argentine escaped with only a warning. Besides that moment of tension, Spurs were rarely threatened and looked fully in control from start to finish, offering supporters a long-overdue comfortable home afternoon.
Xavi Simons Finally Arrives
For much of the first half of the season, Simons has been a source of disappointment. Billed as one of the marquee signings of Tottenham’s summer window—especially after Spurs beat Chelsea to his signature—the 22-year-old had struggled to impose himself in the Premier League. His inconsistent output contributed to Tottenham’s blunt attack and added pressure on Frank to find new solutions.
Against Brentford, the version of Simons supporters had been waiting for finally stepped into the spotlight. The Bees simply could not cope with his directness, pace, and technical flair. His assist for the opening goal came from an explosive burst down the wing, and his own strike showcased confidence and determination.
Simons maintained that level after the break as well, frequently pouncing on loose balls and pushing Tottenham forward in transition. He formed a particularly lively partnership with Mohammed Kudus, who thought he had scored Tottenham’s third late on before VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Still, the duo’s energy kept Brentford penned in for long stretches of the game.
For Frank, this performance will feel like a breakthrough moment—a sign that his headline summer signing may finally be settling into his role. The fans, too, will hope this marks the beginning of a far more influential spell for the Dutchman.
Randal Kolo Muani Misses the Memo
While Tottenham’s attack largely clicked into gear, one player remained notably out of sync: Randal Kolo Muani. The forward, on loan from PSG, was a standout performer in the recent loss to his parent club, yet on this occasion he struggled to make any meaningful impact.
Kolo Muani was wasteful in possession, heavy with his touches, and repeatedly disrupted Tottenham’s attacking rhythm. His difficulties extended to defensive phases as well, where he lost the ball in dangerous areas. The low point came in the second half when Djed Spence forced a save from Caoimhin Kelleher, and the rebound fell perfectly for Kolo Muani with the goalkeeper on the ground. Instead of finding the net, he miskicked entirely, summing up a frustrating and ineffective afternoon.
With competition for places increasing and Simons and Kudus both finding strong form, the Frenchman will need to respond quickly to avoid slipping down the pecking order.
Tottenham Player Ratings vs Brentford
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
A quiet afternoon. Dealt with routine moments confidently but largely untested.
Pedro Porro – 6
Solid without being spectacular. Supported attacks but focused mostly on defensive duties.
Cristian Romero – 5 (off for Danso ’81)
A risky challenge could have earned him an early bath. Composed otherwise, but the moment of rashness keeps his score low.
Micky van de Ven – 6
Reliable presence at the back. Handled Brentford’s counters comfortably.
Djed Spence – 7
Energetic down the left. Created one of the best chances of the second half with a driving run.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7 (off for Palhinha ’65)
Helped Spurs control midfield. Smooth distribution and strong positioning.
Archie Gray – 6
Neat and tidy. Didn’t dominate but contributed steadily.
Mohammed Kudus – 7 (off for Sarr ’80)
Lively throughout and unlucky to see his late goal ruled out. A real threat in the final third.
Xavi Simons – 9 — Man of the Match
A breakout performance. One assist, one goal, and constant danger. His best match in a Spurs shirt by some distance.
Richarlison – 7
Took his goal well and worked tirelessly off the ball.
Randal Kolo Muani – 3 (off for Odobert ’74)
A day to forget. Poor control, weak finishing, and little impact.