Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-1 win against Brentford was a much-needed one. At a time when early-season optimism was declining, three points have brought back hope for Spurs.
Ange Postecoglou has insisted it is too early to judge his side as Spurs begin their second season under his management, but an inconsistent start had increased the pressure on the Australian. With a gap opening up between the North Londoners and the top four, their come-from-behind win against Brentford can kickstart their campaign.
Key takeaways
Spurs snap winless run
Spurs snapped their run of three league games without a win after showing spirit to recover from a goal down to beat Brentford.
Bryan Mbeumo’s first-minute goal for the visitors saw Spurs get off to a nightmare start, though Postecoglou’s team bounced back to turn the game around. Dominic Solanke’s first goal for Spurs brought them level before Brennan Johnson fired in a fine finish for his second goal in a week.
Late on, James Maddison lifted in a delicate third as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium breathed a collective sigh of relief at just the club’s second win of the Premier League game.
After the disappointment of derby defeat to Arsenal a week earlier and a fortuitous win against Coventry in the Carabao Cup, this was an ideal performance and important three points.
The psychology of football
This week we were reminded of the importance of mentality in football. Ange Postecoglou was forced to come out in defence of Brennan Johnson after the forward had been subjected to online abuse after the North London Derby defeat, admitting the Welshman’s confidence was low.
Back-to-back goals have transformed his fortunes, however, as Johnson followed a last-minute winner against Coventry with another well-taken goal against Brentford. He fired six shots on goal against the Bees, in a performance that suggested Johnson is back believing in himself. Spurs, meanwhile, silenced the ‘Spursy’ jibes with the mental resilience to fight back from Mbeumo’s early opener.
Vicario performances a concern
Guglielmo Vicario was being hailed as one of the signings of the season in 2023/24. The Italian’s shot-stopping caught the eye following his unheralded arrival from Empoli, though weaknesses in Vicario’s game were beginning to be exploited as the season progressed.
Particularly vulnerable from set-pieces, he has started the season in erratic form and was fortunate to escape punishment after seemingly handling the ball outside his penalty area against Brentford.
The 27-year-old continues to pull off excellent stops, though the lack of commanding penalty box presence is an area other teams will look to expose.
Maddison back to his best?
James Maddison produced arguably his best performance in a Spurs shirt since the ankle injury that derailed his superb start in North London last season. Operating in a deeper role as a number eight Maddison, to use the old cliche, ‘felt like a new signing’.
He dropped deep to get on the ball, picked passes forward, and carried the ball confidently through lines. The 27-year-old recorded 87 touches, three key passes, one big chance created, seven successful dribbles, 14 ground duels won, four fouls drawn, and three tackles.
Rounding off a fine performance with a goal of his own!@Madders10 😍 pic.twitter.com/7q3sgoAqi7
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 21, 2024
Spurs will miss Bentancur if and when he is banned
Another player in top form at the weekend, Rodrigo Bentancur provided a reminder of how important he can be for Spurs when fit and on-song.
The Uruguayan was impressive as the most defence-minded midfielder in Postecoglou’s team, as he made three interceptions and two tackles, and shut down Brentford’s threat in transitions.
Bentancur, however, has already picked up three bookings in four Premier League appearances this season. It’s the joint-most in the division and the South American is, quite quickly, approaching a suspension. He’ll be a big miss if he collects a ban, despite the strong form of Yves Bissouma this season.
Solanke will score goals for Spurs
Ange Postecoglou was keen to shut down talk around Dominic Solanke’s start at Spurs. The club-record arrival picked up an ankle injury on debut and had failed to score in his first three appearances.
However, that duck was broken with the vital equaliser against Brentford as Solanke reacted quickest to a rebound to turn home. The 26-year-old scored 19 league goals last season and, in a team that will create more chances than Bournemouth, will score goals in North London.
A first Tottenham goal for Dominic Solanke 🏹#UEL | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/99g9QNrSt7
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 23, 2024
It’s arguably the chances he missed against Brentford that have most convinced he can regularly fire in a Spurs shirt, with his movement leading to a high volume of chances. Up and running, his first for the club is a welcome confidence boost.
What’s next for Spurs?
Sours open their Europa League campaign with a home clash against Azerbaijan Premier League champions Qarabag on Thursday, September 26th. Back in Europe, the demand for Tottenham tickets has been high after a lack of continental competition in 2023/24.
The clash with Qarabag is followed by a huge showdown with Manchester United at the weekend, as Postecoglou’s team travel to Old Trafford to face potential top-four rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur upcoming fixtures
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag FK, Thursday 26th September (UEFA Europa League)
- Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday 29th September (Premier League)
- Ferencvaros vs Tottenham Hotspur, Thursday 3rd October (UEFA Europa League)
- Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday 6th October (Premier League)
- Tottenham Hotspurs vs West Ham, Saturday 19th October (Premier League)
