Football.London

Tottenham Hotspur won 2-0 at Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday and here are our Spurs player ratings from the game.

Spurs were without Micky van de Ven following the 23-year-old Dutchman's 45-minute return in the 3-0 win against Elfsborg. with Ange Postecoglou explaining the absence of the centre-back.

"Just trying to manage his minutes and we looked at it and it's a quick turnaround," he said. "Speaking with the medical team and Micky himself, we think we'll just keep him on ice this weekend, give him another week of training and then hopefully he'll be ready for the end of the week."

Tottenham signed a new centre-back on Sunday in Kevin Danso. The 26-year-old joined on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy him in the summer for €25million (£20.9million), when he will start a five-year contract. The centre-back, who will wear the number four shirt, will be available to face Liverpool on Thursday night if his work permit is sorted by then which it is expected to be.

Spurs began nervously but did take the lead half an hour in when an inswinging Son Heung-min corner hit Vitaly Janelt on the line and bounced into the Brentford goal.

They battled away in a tight game and substitute Pape Matar Sarr scored their second. A lovely ball from Son into the midfielder's path sent him into the box and the Senegal international poked it through the goalkeeper's legs and into the net to seal the win.

Here are our Spurs player ratings from the match:

Antonin Kinsky

Played an early loose ball that put Spurs in a bit of trouble but saved from Norgaard after the visitors' opener. Had to be attentive from set pieces but didn't really have much to do in terms of shots on target. 7

Pedro Porro

Defended well for much of the game and mostly remained back in his own half to prevent Brentford's forays down that flank. 7

Archie Gray

Sometimes it's difficult to tell whether he's actually a midfielder or a centre-back because he's adapted so well to his new role. 8

Ben Davies

Imperious at times with his battling at the back and the backline benefited from his experience. Such an underrated defender and never shirks a challenge. 9

Djed Spence

Such an important fresh presence back in the team and he did really well up against Mbeumo. Made a goalline clearance as well during an excellent display. 9

Rodrigo Bentancur

Looking more and more like his old self and he battled away in the centre of the pitch with some interceptions and touches. 8

Yves Bissouma

A solid enough performance with the odd sloppy touch from the midfielder before coming off about 67 minutes in. 6

Dejan Kulusevski

Started off in the midfield and then moved to the right wing in the second half. Teed up Bergvall for an effort and had one himself into the side-netting. 6

Mikey Moore

Played a couple of progressive passes but 17-year-old understandably struggled a bit physically at times against the Brentford defenders. Hooked at half-time. 5

Richarlison

Battled away against Brentford's big defenders with little joy. Did his fair share of defending from set pieces before coming off with 10 minutes to go. 6

Son Heung-min

Curled in a corner on the half hour mark which struck Janelt and bounced into the goal. He showed a real captain's performance with tracking back, tackling and got a great assist for Sarr's late goal. 8

Subs

Lucas Bergvall

Came on for the second half and fired a low shot just wide before the hour mark. Brought the required energy to the centre of the pitch. 6

Pape Matar Sarr

Lovely run and finish for his goal and just when Spurs needed it the most. 7

Dane Scarlett

A busy display at the end of the game to keep the defence occupied. N/A

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

I think it's really interesting what they have done with Van de Ven today. They are saving him for the game Thursday because they see that as, maybe, more important than today's game.

Obviously looking at him as well, injury wise, I get that, but they are in a decent position to get to the final.

It will be tough for them at Anfield but I think that decision alone shows you, certainly with the manager's thinking that if these cup competitions don't go well in the next three to four weeks then he is going to have a huge problem.

Brilliant (to get him). I think Kevin will be a great fit for us.

We’re a little bit short at the back, have been for a while and he’s just really experienced, a good one-on-one defender. I’ve said before that getting new players in gives us energy and will give the group energy. I’m looking forward to him being part of the group.

Micky van de Ven has not been included in Tottenham's matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Brentford. Sustaining a hamstring injury against Manchester City in October and then suffering another problem on his comeback in December at home to Chelsea, the Dutchman finally made his return for Spurs on Thursday night against Elfsborg in the Europa League.

Van de Ven played 45 minutes of the game against the Swedish side and then made way as part of a pre-planned half-time change. Ange Postecoglou clearly didn't want to push him too much on his return and that resulted in the introduction of Radu Dragusin, who unfortunately went on to pick up an injury midway through the second half.

Despite making his comeback against Elfsborg, Van de Ven will play no part for Tottenham against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Postecoglou revealed that the defender's absence is because they are trying to manage his minutes.

"Just trying to manage his minutes and we looked at it and it's a quick turnaround," he said. "Speaking with the medical team and Micky himself, we think we'll just keep him on ice this weekend, give him another week of training and then hopefully he'll be ready for the end of the week."

Postecoglou and Spurs will be hoping that the highly-rated centre-back makes a swift recovery with two huge games on the calendar next week. Firstly taking on Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final showdown on Thursday evening, the Lilywhites then travel to Aston Villa three days later in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Spurs have boosted their squad going into those two games after clinching the loan signing of Kevin Danso from Lens. The centre-back joins on loan for the remainder of the season, with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

Danso could potentially make his Tottenham debut against Liverpool providing that his work permit comes through by then. The Austria international will wear the No.4 shirt at Tottenham.

On the signing of Danso, Postecoglou said: “Brilliant (to get him). I think Kevin will be a great fit for us.

“We’re a little bit short at the back, have been for a while and he’s just really experienced, a good one-on-one defender. I’ve said before that getting new players in gives us energy and will give the group energy. I’m looking forward to him being part of the group.”

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou has named a Tottenham Hotspur team without Micky van de Ven for the Premier League match at Brentford on Sunday.

Spurs only recently got the Dutch defender back into the team but he is not involved in this game at the Gtech Community Stadium following his 45-minute return in the 3-0 win against Elfsborg. Postecoglou explained the absence of Van de Ven on Sunday.

"Just trying to manage his minutes and we looked at it and it's a quick turnaround," he said. "Speaking with the medical team and Micky himself, we think we'll just keep him on ice this weekend, give him another week of training and then hopefully he'll be ready for the end of the week."

Tottenham added another centre-back to their ranks on Sunday in the shape of Kevin Danso following the knee injury for Radu Dragusin.

Danso, 26, joins on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy him in the summer for €25million (£20.9million), when he will start a five-year contract. The centre-back will wear the number four shirt and will be available to face Liverpool on Thursday night if his work permit is sorted by then which it is expected to be.

However, the Austria international, who grew up in England for 10 years from the age of six, is not available yet for this game against Thomas Frank's side.

Instead Postecoglou has had to pair Archie Gray and Ben Davies together in the centre of defence with Djed Spence returning at left-back and Pedro Porro going again on the right side of defence.

Elsewhere the team mostly picks itself from the players fit and available, with Lucas Bergvall, on his 19th birthday, and Pape Matar Sarr rested on the bench. Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore, all scored their first goals for the club in the 3-0 win against Elfsborg in midweek, and the latter starts while the other two are on the bench.

Here's the Tottenham team Postecoglou has selected: Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Kulusevski; Moore, Richarlison, Son. Subs: Austin, Reguilon, Cassanova, Hardy, Olusesi, Sarr, Bergvall, Ajayi, Scarlett.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Kevin Danso has revealed his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur is "a dream come true". The highly-rated centre-back joins Spurs from Lens on loan until the end of the season, with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

Amid interest from Wolves, Danso has instead headed to the capital and he will help add to the defensive options available to head coach Ange Postecoglou. Danso will wear the No.4 shirt at Tottenham.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY following his move from the Ligue 1 side, the Austrian international has opened up on his Tottenham transfer and explained why it was a no-brainer for him.

"It feels amazing to be here at the club, I always wanted to play for a big club in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur is exactly that," he explained. "I think as soon as you here Tottenham Hotspur is interested then I think the only thing you can do is say yes. It's an amazing project and I'm happy to be here."

Spending time with Reading and MK Dons as a youngster, the 26-year-old headed to Augsburg in 2014 and went on to play for the German club before loan spells with Southampton and Fortuna Dusseldorf. Joining Lens in 2021, the Voitsberg-born player really made a name for himself in Ligue 1 and came to the attention of Premier League clubs in the process.

Asked about his attributes, he said: "I'm a quick, powerful centre-back, good on the ball, good at defending one-vs-one situations and that's what I thrive on and I love to defend."

Danso knows all about Tottenham and the Premier League after moving to England at the age of six. He is now intent on helping Spurs win trophies, with the Lilywhites still in the mix for the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup this term.

"I grew up playing academy football here and when you grow up everyone watches the Premier League. Like I said, it's a dream come true," he admitted.

"Opportunities to win trophies is I think every kid's dream growing up, to be winning trophies at a club like Tottenham Hotspur. I hope we can win a couple of trophies."

Danso will not be able to feature for Tottenham against Brentford on Sunday afternoon but he will be keeping a very close eye on the match in west London. "100 per cent, can't wait," he said when asked if he will be watching his new team play the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of RC Lens centre-back Kevin Danso on loan for the rest of the season. The 26-year-old will then join on a permanent deal in the summer via an obligation-to-buy agreement.

Danso becomes the third January window addition for Spurs after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and Yang Min-Hyeok. He will provide crucial reinforcement for Ange Postecoglou at the back after a spate of injury issues.

Having looked set to join Wolves, Danso instead opted for a move to north London. He comes in after not playing for Lens in over two weeks.

Postecoglou will be able to welcome Danso into his side for Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie away to Liverpool subject to international clearance and a work permit. With a 1-0 lead to defend, the Austrian international will be much-needed cover in defence.

Tottenham have been left without Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for yet another extended period of time due to injuries this season. They have also lost Radu Dragusin and are already down to the barebones.

Archie Gray has been operating in an unorthodox role centrally for Postecoglou of late. Van de Ven could return to Premier League action to feature against Brentford on Sunday afternoon but is not fit enough to play the full game.

Danso, who has made over 100 Ligue 1 appearances and was briefly at Southampton, has played 14 times for Lens this season in all competitions. He is a regular for his country as well.

Starting out at Reading and the MK Dons in England, Danso moved to Germany almost 10 years ago before making his way through into professional football at Augsburg. From there he joined Southampton on loan in 2019, heading to Dusseldorf next.

Lens picked him up in 2021, where he has been a mainstay ever since. Danso will wear the No.4 shirt at Tottenham.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

After another win in a cup competition, Tottenham will be looking to pick up their first three points in the Premier League since December 15 when they face Brentford later today.

Goals from young trio Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore secured a 3-0 win for Spurs over Elfsborg in the Europa League midweek, with the Lilywhites finishing fourth in the Europa League League Phase. Spurs have a huge Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Liverpool next Wednesday, but for now, attention reverts to the Premier League.

Spurs are winless in their last seven Premier League games, with Ange Postecoglou's side entering the weekend 15th in the league table. The last meeting between Spurs and today's opposition Brentford ended 3-1 for the Lilywhites, with Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and James Maddison getting on the scoresheet.

Postecoglou's side is still suffering from a host of injury issues, and Radu Dragusin could miss out after picking up an injury midweek, though they have been handed a boost with the return of Micky van de Ven. So, can Spurs put an end to their seven-game winless run in the Premier League later today? Let's take a look.

We simulated Brentford vs Spurs to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that the Bees could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Van den Berg; Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Yarmoiluk; Wissa.

We predict that Spurs could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Van de Ven, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.

Four minutes in, Archie Gray brought down Yoanne Wissa inside the box and gave away a penalty, with Bryan Mbeumo stepping up and scoring from the spot to send the hosts into an early lead. It was the worst possible start for Spurs, but 14 minutes in, they managed to level the score.

Some nice link-up play between Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall on the right saw the latter break towards goal, and after faking a pass out to the left, the midfielder flicked the ball to Dejan Kulusevski in the box. The Swede dragged the ball away from the defender before firing at goal, and his shot flew into the far corner to make it 1-1.

All of a sudden, Postecoglou's side were in full control, with Brentford struggling to cope as Spurs pushed for a second. Heung-Min Son hit the post twice around the 30-minute mark, but just before the break, the forward finally got his goal as Spurs turned the game on its head.

Porro did well to beat his marker and surge forward down the right, with the Spaniard drilling the ball into the feet of Kulusevski in the box. A clever dummy by Kulusevski saw the ball roll through his legs into the path of Son, and his first-time finish found the roof of the net to put the Lilywhites ahead.

The second half was less frantic than the first, and after a period of sustained pressure, Spurs managed to open up a two-goal cushion thanks to a Richarlison header from a corner to make it 3-1 with 15 minutes to go. Spurs managed to hold on to the lead, confirming a big victory in west London.

EA FC 25 predicted final score: Brentford 1-3 Spurs

What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham return to the Premier League with a visit to Brentford and Ange Postecoglou is looking for an upturn in results.

Spurs recorded a 3-0 Europa League victory on Thursday night against Elfsborg to advance to the round of 16 but Postecoglou's men must start improving their dreadful Premier League run of results. Games at Brentford have been a tough challenge for most teams this season and Tottenham are yet to start getting the bulk of their injured players back.

In the European win, Postecoglou gave Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min and the returning Micky van de Ven 45 minutes each while Djed Spence is also expected to be available after injury. When it comes to Van de Ven, Postecoglou may have to decide whether the Dutchman can handle three starts in a week after just one game previously in three months.

That could mean a start for Ben Davies in the centre of defence alongside Archie Gray, although there could also be a temptation to hand Pedro Porro a rest with Spence replacing him. Pape Matar Sarr has been carrying an injury and limped off the pitch at half-time despite playing the full game and he could be handed a rest this time.

Spurs are set to sign centre-back Kevin Danso from Lens but the 26-year-old will not be available to play until Sunday's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa.

Here's the Tottenham team that we reckon Postecoglou will select at Brentford:

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly completed a stunning transfer swoop for Lens defender Kevin Danso - pinching the player from under the nose of Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The centre-back looked to be closing in on a deal to move to Molineux. The relegation-threatened side were said to be very close to sealing a loan deal for the player after other clubs saw bid of just under £21 million turned down.

A medical had also been booked in for Sunday, but it now seems that a deal could be doubt due to an intervention from Spurs. According to Fabrizio Romano, Danso has now 'said yes' to Tottenham and his medical at Wolves is set to be cancelled. The Athletic reports that Danso's representative has already informed Wolves that a medical will no longer be taking place.

Ange Postecoglou is keen to add another defender to his squad, following an injury to Radu Dragusin. He suffered a knee injury in the 3-0 win over Elfsborg on Thursday evening. Danso has been a regular for Lens this season but has been left out of the squad for the last two Ligue 1 matches amid speculation over his future.

Should they complete the hijack of the move, it could serve as a big boost for Spurs. Wolves’ win over Spurs moved them into 17th place in the Premier League table, one position and five points behind Tottenham ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brentford.

Spurs have until Monday at 11pm to complete any January transfer business with the window closing at that time. Speaking before the clash against Brentford, Postecoglou confirmed that Tottenham were exploring a move for a centre-back.

"I think depending on the extent of Radu’s (injury), it might be an area we need to look at and certainly this weekend (we are) exploring some options," he said.

Tottenham look to have been handed a transfer lifeline after being turned down by two January targets. Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel quickly became Spurs' priority with an agreement reached over a permanent transfer only for him to turn down the move to north London.

Arsenal and Manchester United have shown an interest in signing him on loan but the most likely scenario now appears to be him staying in Germany. Alongside pursuing attackers, the injury to Radu Dragusin has seen attempts made to bring in a defender.

Talks for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori began in the wake of those concerns but the former Chelsea star, exactly like Tel, has opted to stay where he is. Spurs are now at risk of having Antonin Kinsky as the only new face in the squad despite the clear and obvious need for depth in almost every department.

Leaving these formal approaches right until the end of the window has put Spurs in a challenging position to get bodies through the door. With that being said, there are still a number of players that have been linked who could still join before 11pm on Monday, February 3.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes and Southampton's Tyler Dibling are two that look set to be targeted by Tottenham this summer, but those plans could yet be fast-tracked. Injury problems could make Spurs less keen on signing the duo in the winter window especially with the former Manchester United star plagued by problems this season.

Dibling meanwhile, has not featured for the Saints since the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the middle of January, where he was taken off shortly after the hour mark after picking up an ankle injury. It was expected that he would miss at least four weeks, though it was a possibility he may not even return until March.

Despite that initial diagnosis, Dibling was named on the bench by Ivan Juric for Southampton's clash away at Ipswich Town on Saturday. With the 18-year-old fit enough to feature, Tottenham look to have been given the green light to try and sign him this month after being rejected by Tel.

Given their precarious position, it is unlikely Southampton will want to sell but they will likely be aware he is bound to depart at some point this year. Tottenham were also seemingly fine with spending £50million on a 19-year-old, so there should be no real concerns over parting ways with similar to bring in Dibling.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham by clicking here for in-depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.