Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur finally rediscovered the winning formula at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing a comfortable 2-0 Premier League victory over a struggling Brentford side. The win, powered by a standout performance from summer signing Xavi Simons, ended a five-game winless run and provided a much-needed boost for the North London club.
Simons Shines in First Home Victory Since August
The healing process for Spurs began in earnest as they produced a dominant display to see off Thomas Frank's Bees. This was Tottenham's first league win at home since the opening weekend of the season, a statistic that had weighed heavily on the squad. The atmosphere was notably more positive than during the recent defeat to Fulham, with the crowd firmly behind their team.
Postecoglou made five changes to his lineup, one of which saw the more progressive Archie Gray start in defensive midfield ahead of João Palhinha. This tweak allowed Spurs to be more proactive in possession from the outset. The tactical setup, fluctuating between a 4-2-2-2 and a 4-2-3-1, gave Xavi Simons the freedom to roam from his nominal number 10 position, a decision that paid rich dividends.
A Goal and an Assist for the Dutch Maestro
The breakthrough came after a significant early let-off. Brentford's Igor Thiago was played through on goal, but Guglielmo Vicario redeemed himself for last week's error with a sharp save at his near post. Spurs capitalised immediately. From the next attack, Pedro Porro's lofted pass found Simons, who had ghosted in behind Kristoffer Ajer. The Dutchman's composed cut-back was tapped in by Richarlison for a simple finish.
The goal liberated the home side, who began to play with a crispness and confidence absent in recent weeks. The second goal, just before half-time, was a moment of individual brilliance from the £52m signing from RB Leipzig. Simons pressed high to steal the ball from Sepp van den Berg, drove towards the box, held off Yehor Yarmolyuk, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. It was his first goal for Tottenham and sparked delirious celebrations.
Controlled Second Half Seals the Points
With a two-goal cushion, Spurs managed the second half intelligently, adopting a more contained approach. Brentford, who have now lost seven of their eight away league games, offered little sustained threat. The only moment of tension came when Mohammed Kudus's showboating nearly allowed Thiago a chance, drawing the ire of teammate Djed Spence. Otherwise, it was a straightforward procession to the final whistle for Postecoglou's men.
The result lifts the mood around Tottenham significantly. While the performance came against a mediary Brentford team in poor away form, the positives were clear: a clean sheet, a first home win in months, and a talismanic display from their record signing. For Thomas Frank, the search for answers on the road continues after another disappointing outing away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
