Brentford began their Premier League campaign in style with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Goals from Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt saw Brentford two up at the break, after a dominant first half display, before Michael Kayode added a third shortly after half time to have the Bees in dreamland.
Keith Andrews’ side delivered a performance so impressive that it could even be argued a 3-0 scoreline did not do them justice and instead flattered Spurs, with the Bees having the chances, including a missed penalty from Igor Thiago, to inflict a potentially embarrassing scoreline on their opposition.
The win was Brentford’s first home victory against Spurs in the Premier League, drawing four and losing one of their previous fixtures at the Gtech Community Stadium against the Lilywhites.
Brentford Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Brentford’s number one began his second season in West London with a clean sheet.
Having been rarely troubled in the opening 45, the Irish shot stopper made a number of important saves in the second half to prevent any chance of a Tottenham comeback attempt.
Michael Kayode – 8
Fresh off of a summer in which he signed a new six-year contract at the club and became a father, Kayode netted a poacher’s goal from the rebound of Mamadou Sangare’s effort to put Brentford three up, and score his second Premier League.
Making his 50th Premier League appearance, the Italian right back continued to show the quality that has made him a firm fan favourite amongst Brentford fans, both defensively and offensively.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7
Continued on from his impressive form for Norway at the World Cup.
Won six out of six aerial duels at the heart of a Brentford defence which looked relatively comfortable throughout the evening.
Nathan Collins – 7
After a challenging first campaign form wise as captain last season, Brentford’s skipper looked back to his best level in the season opener.
The Irishman was impressive in both boxes, with his back post header to set up Sangare’s shot crucial in Brentford’s third goal of the evening.
Keane Lewis-Potter – 9
An excellent display to remove a lot of doubts about the natural winger’s selection as first choice left back to start the season.
Lewis-Potter netted Brentford’s first goal of the season, finishing off a fabulous move, and was a constant threat throughout the game, working incredibly hard to fulfil defensive duties whilst also being a constant option going forward down the left wing.
Vitaly Janelt – 8
A performance which emphasised just how sorely missed the German was when injured in the second half of last season.
An excellent midfield display, winning the ball back consistently, passing well with some threatening set piece deliveries whilst also on hand to divert home the rebound of Mathias Jensen’s effort from range for the Bees’ second goal, and his 15th for the club.
Mamadou Sangare – 9 (Man of the Match)
A display which perfectly encapsulated exactly why Brentford broke their transfer record to sign him.
Sangare appeared to cover every blade of grass throughout the game, not giving the opposition midfield a moment to breathe, and produced a moment of brilliance to set up the opening goal, playing a clever one two with Dango Ouattara before finding the key pass for Lewis-Potter to finish.
The Mali midfielder could also count himself unlucky not to have got on the scoresheet, with his fine first-time effort drawing a good save from Antonin Kinsky before Kayode turned home the rebound for the third goal.
The 24-year-old was substituted to a standing ovation from the home fans and looks well at home at his new club already.
Dango Ouattara – 6
Had a relatively quiet game but by no means a bad one.
Looked lively at times down the right wing, and his pass to Sangare in the move for Brentford’s first goal was an important moment of quality in the game.
Mathias Jensen - 7
An impressive performance to kick-off his eight season in West London.
Won the ball back brilliantly from Lucas Bergvall before his strong effort was parried to Janelt for the second goal, whilst also providing some excellent crosses to trouble the Spurs defence, particularly from set pieces.
Kevin Schade – 7
A consistent outlet for Brentford in attack, dominant in the air and on numerous occasions too quick for Archie Gray at full back.
Did well to win a penalty that should’ve brought Brentford’s fourth goal.
Igor Thiago – 6
Will be disappointed not to have found himself on the scoresheet, hitting the post with a penalty that should’ve put Brentford four up.
Whilst not up and running goalscoring wise, the Brazilian striker held the ball up well and had some nice touches to help facilitate attacks and contribute to a dominant Bees performance.
Substitutes:
Yehor Yarmoliuk – 7
Worked very hard off the bench, providing an important injection of energy to a midfield that had just began to tire a little.
Jaidon Anthony – 7
Looked energetic and creative on debut, setting up a few chances in the last 20 minutes whilst working very hard defensively.
Aaron Hickey – 6
Struggled a tad against the pace of Mathys Tel, however still held his own defensively to ensure Brentford held on to a clean sheet.
Mikkel Damsgaard – 6
Showed flashes of his usual quality in possession and carried the ball well.
Callum Wilson – 6
Held the ball up well up top and gave a needed rest to a hardworking Thiago in the closing stages.