This victory over the Bees ended a five-game winless streak for Spurs and marked their first home league victory since the opening day of the season. Archie Gray, starting alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in central midfield, was instrumental in Tottenham’s dominance, particularly in breaking up Brentford’s play and supporting the attack.
Overview of the game
Tottenham led 2-0 at half-time after a commanding first 45 minutes, limiting Brentford to a few threats despite an early physical push from the visitors.
Thomas Frank (Tottenham’s head coach and Brentford’s former manager) praised Gray’s awareness, positioning, and defensive work rate post-match, noting it as a “solid shift” that helped unlock the midfield.
Gray, who nearly joined Brentford in the summer of 2024 before signing with Tottenham, started his third league game of the season and grew into the match after a tentative opening. Playing in a deeper role, he provided balance to Tottenham’s midfield, dovetailing effectively with Bentancur to stifle Brentford’s transitions
Defensively, the boy made a series of strong sliding tackles to halt Brentford’s midfield movement; he picked up a yellow card in the 76th minute for a mistimed challenge but remained composed.
His midfield dominance was a tidy and energetic display; he cut out passing lanes and won back possession high up the pitch, enabling Xavi Simons’ forward runs.
Operated with a licence to advance from the pivot; provided overlapping runs on the left and contributed to the build-up for the opener.
It was a mature showing that solved Frank’s midfield selection dilemma; described as “undroppable” after unlocking Simons’ goal-scoring run.
Amazing what being played in the correct part of the park can do, eh?
Gray’s versatility—having been deployed across midfield and even right-back earlier in the season—has been a double-edged sword, but this performance in his preferred central role could earn him more starts. Frank highlighted his intelligence in reading the game and willingness to cover defensively, especially against Brentford’s physical style.