Tottenham’s season began with defeat as they were beaten by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford started the more aggressive side and took the lead after 12 minutes when Keane Lewis-Potter slid home Mamadou Sangare’s cut-back. The hosts doubled their lead in the 33rd minute as Vitaly Janelt pounced after Antonin Kinsky had parried the ball into his path.
Second-half collapse
Brentford started the second half as they had the first and quickly scored a third as Michael Kayode hooked into the roof of the net from a corner, before Igor Thiago struck the post from the penalty spot.
Player ratings
Antonin Kinsky 5 – Had to do better when parrying Jensen’s shot into the path of Janelt for Brentford’s second goal and was again guilty of not getting the ball to safety as Kayode netted after half-time.
Archie Gray 5 – A historic day for Gray, who became the youngest player to captain Spurs in a competitive match, but one he will want to forget quickly. Never got to grips with Brentford’s frontline.
Jan Paul van Hecke 5 – The Dutchman was supposed to give Spurs more authority and aggression at the back, but Brentford dominated him. Lost four of the six aerial duels he competed for.
Marcos Senesi 6 – Tried to match Brentford physically but could not get near them and was left looking over his shoulder as the Bees played a number of searching balls in behind. A few nice moments in possession as he showcased his ability to break the lines.
Andy Robertson 5 – Run into the ground by the pace and intensity of Dango Ouattara, he was left chasing shadows. A chastening competitive debut for the Scotsman.
Sandro Tonali 4 – Emphatically lost the battle of the two club-record signings as Mamadou Sangare completely dominated him. Tried in vain to inject some pace and rhythm into Spurs’ play with a few neat one-touch passes. Small consolation, though, for the Italian midfielder on a harrowing competitive debut.
Lucas Bergvall 4 – Completely overwhelmed. He was not aggressive enough when played into trouble by Richarlison for Brentford’s second goal. Neat in possession and a busy presence when Spurs got into the final third, but without the ball he was swamped.
Conor Gallagher 5 – Provided no creative threat, and while he tried in vain to get Spurs to match Brentford’s aggression, it mattered little in what was a shockingly disjointed performance from De Zerbi’s side.
Mike Moore 5 – Had to score when found at the back post by Robertson. It was a big chance in a game of few chances for Spurs and summed up a disappointing evening for Moore. Drew a good save from Kelleher later in the second half but again would have backed himself to score.
Richarlison 4 – Played Bergvall into trouble for Brentford’s second goal. His hold-up play was abject and meant Spurs could not get out as Brentford flew forward time and again when the ball broke back to them.
Mathys Tel 5 – An anonymous display. Did not fancy himself in a running race with Kayode, and that lack of front-footedness allowed the Brentford defender to pin him back in his half for much of the game.
Substitutes
Rodrigo Bentancur 4 – Gave away a penalty within minutes of coming on. Brought off the bench to provide calm, he only added to the chaos. Committed the most fouls of any Spurs player on the pitch.
Mateus Fernandes 6 – Neat and tidy in possession, but Spurs needed more than that if they were to have any chance of hauling themselves back into the game.
Dominic Solanke 4 – Offered nothing in place of Richarlison and looked off the pace. Made just six touches.
James Maddison 5 – The game was gone by the time he was brought on. An ineffectual performance, but hardly his fault.
Destiny Udogie 5 – Nothing he could do to stem the tide. Spurs will hope these are the first minutes on the road back to full fitness for the Italian full-back.
