There were no fireworks on the pitch to kickstart the year as Brentford held Tottenham Hotspur to a 0-0 draw on New Year’s Day.
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will hope that he has not started 2026 as he means to go on with a display devoid of character in a 0-0 draw with former club Brentford.
On a day which has seen newly available former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca linked with the Spurs position, according to Ben Jacobs, Frank did little to silence critics with his side having to wait until the 93rd minute for their only shot on target at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It is the hosts who will feel they deserved the three points in west London with Spurs handed the chance to improve when hosting Sunderland on Sunday. Here’s how the Tottenham Hotspur players rated.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
GK - Guglielmo Vicario, 7
Lucky to see the Brentford goal chalked off for offside in the first half as the keeper batted the ball right into danger from a save prior. Made an impressive stop in the second half, leaping well and getting good contact on a punch that time.
LB - Djed Spence, 4
A lazy performance. The full-back’s body language echoed the character of the Spurs side tonight. Keane Lewis-Potter was far more sprightly than Spence and looked a constant threat on that flank.
CB - Micky Van de Ven, 7
A little sluggish early on with Igor Thiago always looking the more likely to win balls over the top. Did grow into the game and was alert late on as Brentford pressure grew.
CB - Cristian Romero, 7
Overcommitted at times and struggled to make up the ground to recover from his mistake. Nonetheless, helped his side to another clean sheet and criticism will continue to be focused on the other end of the pitch.
RB - Pedro Porro, 5
Better than Spence at full-back but his set plays were decidedly average. Targeted on that flank by Brentford after the break and another Spurs star guilty of giving the ball away without need.
CM - Rodrigo Bentancur, 8
The best of a pretty underwhelming bunch out there tonight. Did see plenty of the ball in a vocal performance that saw the midfielder trying to marshal the side and make something happen. Should avoid the criticism that will come thanks to that Spurs performance.
CM - Joao Palhinha, 5
Kept the Brentford midfield in check but needs to offer so much more in the centre of the park. Spurs lack character and creativity, and Palhinha is not proving the solution to that. Looked leggy as the game went on.
LW - Wilson Odobert, 5
Started brightly with a clever turn under pressure in his own half in the opening 10 minutes but, as has become usual, lacked conviction after that. Outpaced by Brentford’s stocky centre-backs at times.
CAM - Archie Gray, 6
Clearly buoyed by the goal against Crystal Palace with moments of confidence on the ball. Ultimately lacked the physicality needed against a physically strong Brentford side. Found himself in some good offensive positions, meeting a decent headed opportunity in the first half.
RW - Mohammed Kudus, 3
Nothing happening for him today. A pretty dire performance with possession lost far too regularly and simple passes missed. The winger has a long way to go to look worth the £55 million Spurs forked out for him in the summer.
ST - Richarlison, 5
Couldn’t get much to stick to him up front and struggled for any clear cut chances - not helped by the Spurs wingers. Practically picked up and moved off the ball by Kristoffer Ajer in the first half and needs to be much stronger - lessons to be learned from impressive Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Did place a plum of a ball on Archie Gray’s head in his best moment but a feeble cross in added time was not a good luck.
SUBS - Randal Kolo Muani (6), Mathys Tel (5).
In other news, Tottenham recall 'quality' midfielder from loan ahead of Brentford clash.