Tottenham's big-spending summer failed to deliver a winning start, as Brentford secured a 3-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium. The result was a wake-up call for Roberto De Zerbi's side, who spent heavily but were outplayed by a well-drilled Brentford team.
The irony was not lost that the best player on the pitch was Mamadou Sangaré, Brentford's club-record signing from Lens. The Mali international set up Keane Lewis-Potter's opening goal and struck the shot that led to Michael Kayode's third, dominating midfield against Sandro Tonali, Lucas Bergvall, and Conor Gallagher.
Sangaré shines as Tonali struggles
Sangaré, 24, showed why Brentford paid £41m for him. His career has included loans in Austria and Belgium before a successful year at Lens, and his performance was met with a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half.
In contrast, Tonali, Tottenham's £100m marquee signing, had a difficult afternoon. He misplaced passes, committed frustrated fouls, and skied a volley over the crossbar in the first half, always one step behind Sangaré.
Defensive issues and a new captain
De Zerbi made Archie Gray the youngest captain in Tottenham's history, deputising for the injured Micky van de Ven. The defence, including Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, looked unsettled, while Richarlison led the line but struggled against Brentford's Igor Thiago.
Tottenham's spending is set to reach around £400m with the pending arrivals of Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Only Liverpool in 2025 have spent more in a single window. Despite six new players before the season, the team still started with Richarlison up front.
Brentford's confident display
Brentford took a two-goal lead through Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt, and were unfazed by Tottenham's introduction of £85m Mateus Fernandes at half-time. Keith Andrews' side, without European football this season, showed the value of cohesion and smart recruitment.
Tottenham began last season with wins over Burnley and Manchester City under Thomas Frank, but this result leaves questions about De Zerbi's project. The squad needs time to gel, but the pattern of new lows continues after two 17th-place finishes.
