London Evening Standard

A statement performance from the Dutch playmaker

Top performer: Xavi Simons

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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First-half goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons helped relieve the pressure on Thomas Frank as Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Richarlison gave Tottenham the lead in the 25th minute as he tapped home from Simons’ low cross.

Simons, starting his first game in a month, then doubled Tottenham’s advantage before half-time with a superb solo goal.

Mohammed Kudus was denied a goal after the break, but Tottenham held on for just their second home league win of the season.

Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau was at the ground; here’s how he rated the Spurs players...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Did not have much to do, but was quick off his line and saved well from Thiago in the first half.

Pedro Porro 7

Clipped a lovely pass in behind for Simons to race on to for Tottenham’s opening goal. Completed the most tackles of any Tottenham player.

Cristian Romero 7

Always plays on the edge and was lucky to get away with a yellow for a robust challenge on Igor Thiago in the first half. A more measured performance after the break as Tottenham kept Brentford at arm’s length. Important tackle on Thiago as the Brentford striker threatened to get a shot off.

Micky Van de Ven 7

Returning to the starting lineup, he dealt well with Thiago's physicality. Played an important role in possession.

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Djed Spence 6

Kept his cool up against one of the most formidable full-backs in the league, in Michael Kayode.

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Got about the pitch, bridging the gap between defence and attack well. Made the most defensive contributions of any player on the pitch. Replaced by Joao Palhinha in the 65th minute as Frank looked to solidify Tottenham’s lead.

Archie Gray 8

A mature display from Gray, who is proving his credentials as Frank looks to settle on a preferred midfield combination.

Mohammed Kudus 7

Worked hard out of possession and was always an option as Tottenham looked to get forward down the right flank. Tested Kelleher with a left-footed shot early in the second half. Denied a goal by the offside flag.

Xavi Simons 9

Starting his first game in over a month, Simons was electric. The talk pre-game had been whether he could nail down a starting spot on the left of Tottenham’s attack, but he popped up on the right to assist Richarlison for the opening goal before doubling Tottenham’s lead with a superb solo goal.

Richarlison 8

In the battle of the two Brazilian strikers, Richarlison won to give Tottenham a priceless win. Opened the scoring with a controlled finish from Simons’ cross.

Randal Kolo Muani 7

A busy performance. Looked to drop deep and get involved in the play. Denied by Kelleher with a header from a corner in the first half.

Subs

Joao Palhinha (Bentancur, 65’) 7

Gave Tottenham some fresh impetus in midfield, snapping into tackles and keeping play ticking. Gray’s performance may just keep him out of the side a little while longer, though.

Wilson Odobert (Kolo Muani, 74’) 6

Gave Tottenham legs on the counter as they soaked up some late Brentford pressure.

Kevin Danso (Romero, 81’) 6

Shored up Tottenham’s defence as they held on for their first clean sheet at home since the opening game of the season.

Pape Matar Sarr (Kudus, 81’) 6

Should have scored when found free in the area by Spence. Provided energy in the centre of the park.

MORE ABOUT

Tottenham’s new playmaker returned to Thomas Frank’s line-up with a bang

Arrived: Xavi Simons

AFP via Getty Images

George Sessions

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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A wonderful individual display by Xavi Simons inspired Tottenham to a first Premier League home win since August with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Pressure had started to mount on Thomas Frank after a succession of tepid home displays and a run of three defeats in four matches, but for the visit of his old club he recalled Xavi to great effect.

It took Xavi only 25 minutes to set up Richarlison’s opener before the £52million playmaker got off the mark in his 19th appearance with a fine solo goal in the 43rd minute to clinch Spurs only a fourth home win in the league in 2025.

Frank embraced Brentford boss Keith Andrews before kick-off and multiple members of the visitors’ backroom staff, but it was quickly down to business, with Xavi given his first start since November 8.

Xavi’s recent exclusion had puzzled fans and he was in the thick of the action in the early exchanges as Tottenham attempted to start strongly after a shambolic opening against Fulham.

Micky van de Ven sent a header over after seven minutes before Richarlison had an effort blocked by Nathan Collins soon after and a wayward strike by Xavi further signalled Spurs’ improved intent at home.

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Brentford had offered little by the midway point of the half, but the in-form Igor Thiago provided a warning sign when his snapshot forced Guglielmo Vicario into a decent save.

Tottenham’s encouraging start had still not produced a shot on target but that changed in the 25th minute.

Pedro Porro played his part with a wonderful ball over the top after a positive run by Xavi, who had the presence of mind to pick out Richarlison at the back post to slam home.

It was Spurs’ first shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game in five weeks, and just reward.

Xavi demonstrated his renewed belief with an ambitious volley off target soon after before Caoimhin Kelleher denied Randal Kolo Muani from close range from a Porro corner.

Tottenham were not content to sit on a one-goal lead and the second arrived after 43 minutes after a moment of magic by Xavi.

The Netherlands attacker initially lost possession to Mikkel Damsgaard, but won it back instantly from Sepp van den Berg and carried from the halfway line to leave Yehor Yarmoliuk trailing behind before he drilled into the bottom corner to open his account for Spurs.

It was a wonderful solo effort and Xavi marked it with his trademark phone call celebration on top of an advertising hoarding.

Spurs should have made it 3-0 early in the second half but Kelleher saved from Djed Spence after he burst clear in the area.

Mohammed Kudus let fly next and Xavi could only fire straight at Brentford’s goalkeeper after a poor clearance.

However, Tottenham’s skilful winger Kudus got a telling-off with 19 minutes left when his showboating gifted the visitors a throw and Romero slide in to deny Thiago before the home captain lambasted his team-mate, but it mattered little as Frank’s men finally won again at home.

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Xavi Simons starts for Tottenham for the first time in a month as Thomas Frank seeks a much-needed win over former club Brentford.

Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie had both been spotted moving gingerly during Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at Newcastle on Tuesday night, and Johnson drops to the bench today with Udogie missing out entirely.

As Frank looks to secure just a second home Premier League win as Tottenham boss against the Bees, who he managed for seven years prior to his departure this summer, the Dane hands a first league start to Dutch playmaker Simons since last month’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Micky van de Ven is also restored in central defence, taking the place of Kevin Danso, but Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain out, along with James Maddison and Yves Bissouma.

“When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update,” the Dane said of his injured troops during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Despite Spurs salvaging a point at the death against Newcastle thanks to captain Cristian Romero, the pressure is still firmly on Frank as he prepares to welcome his former team to north London.

As well as starting Simons, the Tottenham manager looks to have gone for two up top with Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani. Archie Gray also starts at the base of midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. Udogie, meanwhile, is replaced at left-back by Djed Spence.

Spurs contest another all-London clash this afternoon as Thomas Frank comes up against his former club. The Dane has been under mounting pressure in recent weeks amid a difficult run of form, with only Cristian Romero’s stoppage-time heroics preventing a sixth defeat from eight games against Newcastle in midweek. Wretched home results have been at the heart of their struggles, with no Premier League win for Tottenham in front of their own fans since the opening day of the season.

Supporters have voiced their frustration and last weekend’s booing of Guglielmo Vicario following a blunder in the loss to Fulham has opened a rift between those in the stands and on the pitch amid a debate over who are the “true” Spurs fans. Frank would love to ease the scrutiny on his position by finally delivering another home victory against a Brentford side whom he managed for seven years and successfully established as top-flight regulars.

Keith Andrews has made an encouraging start to life as Frank’s successor, though the Bees have lost six of their seven league away matches so far this term, including against Arsenal last time out. Follow Tottenham vs Brentford live below!

Tottenham are not dealing with any new injury concerns ahead of today’s reunion between Thomas Frank and Brentford.

Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie had both been spotted moving gingerly during Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at Newcastle on Tuesday night.

However, the pair will both be available for a London derby this afternoon as Frank looks to secure just a second home Premier League win as Tottenham boss against his former club.

Micky van de Ven will also be restored in central defence. The Dutchman was named on the bench at St James’ Park earlier this week, but will likely take the place of Kevin Danso against Brentford.

Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain out, along with James Maddison and Yves Bissouma, and Frank said there was no new update on when the key pair would be back in contention.

“When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update,” the Dane said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Despite Spurs salvaging a point at the death against Newcastle thanks to captain Cristian Romero, the pressure is still firmly on Frank as he prepares to welcome his former team to north London.

He may also look to rotate in attack, with Johnson dropping out of the side for Xavi Simons.

The Dutch playmaker has yet to find his feet at Tottenham, but showed glimpses of his ability during the 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

“Xavi has trained fantastic the last whatever five, six times,” Frank said. “Very good attitude on the training pitch, I like that a lot.

Dane has built a career on being risk-averse, but the handbrake must now come off

In charge: Thomas Frank

REUTERS

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Thomas Frank will have no issue celebrating if Tottenham score against his former club, Brentford, this weekend. It could just save his job.

A happy reunion has the ability to turn toxic if Spurs cannot secure just their second home league win of the season.

So, Frank will be hoping his side can translate their efficiency on the road to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they look to end a five-game winless run in all competitions.

Tottenham are among the highest scorers in the Premier League this season, yet their average of 1.14 goals per game at home is the sixth-lowest in the division. Few stats highlight their issues on home soil quite so dramatically.

Frank wants his team to be efficient in front of goal - taking fewer but higher-quality shots. This was something his Brentford side excelled at.

Their snatch-and-grab draw away to Newcastle on Tuesday, with Cristian Romero scoring with Tottenham’s only two shots on target, was proof that they have the ability to stay in games and strike cold.

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While that tactic may work away from home, Tottenham fans want to impose more of an identity on the opposition when they welcome them to north London.

So far, Frank, like his predecessors, is finding it hard to make Tottenham’s home a fortress, and his style, which is predicated on the quality rather than the quantity of chances, has left little room for error in attack.

The Dane, though, is not for changing. He has overcome difficult starts at both Brondby and Brentford by sticking to his principles.

“No I haven’t [encouraged them to shoot more]” Frank said in his pre-match press conference. “I encourage them to do everything we can to create more chances and score some goals.

“You can encourage them to shoot, but I’m pretty sure the players also feel naturally if you are in a good position you shoot.”

Frank is stringent in his beliefs; it has carried him from the Championship to the Champions League in little under a decade, but the Dane has also built his reputation on being adaptable.

Cristian Romero scored a remarkable bicycle kick to snatch a draw at Newcastle

Steve Welsh/PA Wire

Shooting from outside the box has not been discouraged; the conditions just have to be right for the shot to be taken.

He continued: “I think it’s always a combination of different factors that are affecting each other. I definitely think that when a ball drops on the edge of the box, you should shoot. And in areas around the box, you should shoot.

“We are very working very hard on our phase two and our phase three, how we are getting into the right positions and how we get enough player movement on the side to produce the breakthroughs and penetrations.

“The better we do that, the more we do that, the more we will end in those situations, the more we will get good opportunities to shoot.”

Frank likes to control the percentages. Perhaps, though, at a club where creative mavericks of the ilk of Glenn Hoddle, David Ginola and Ossie Ardiles are lauded, he has to let the handbrake off.

As the motto goes, ‘To dare is to do.’

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Cristian Romero’s late acrobatics salvaged a dramatic point for Tottenham away to Newcastle on Tuesday, but there is little respite for under-pressure Frank as attentions turn back to his side’s drastically poor home form. And the visit of former club Brentford.

Tottenham have won just once at home in the league this season. While the results have been damning, the manner of the performances has been the biggest concern, with Frank’s side lacking fluency.

Tottenham have shown plenty of resolve on the road, but have looked disjointed at home, with Frank chopping and changing his team as he tries to settle on a starting line-up he can trust.

Familiarity was one of the key tenets of Frank’s success at Brentford — seven players started 30 or more Premier League games for the Bees last season — but with questions to answer in midfield and attack, the Dane admits he is no clearer on what his best team looks like at Tottenham.

“I’ve got an idea of quite a few positions. I also think there’s competition, so not that easy all the time to say, ‘OK, it’s just those 11’ because you need more than 11 players, but normally, you see most teams when they are finding their strongest team, it will be those nine players all the time, and maybe change two. Or maybe sometimes it’s 10.”

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have been two of Frank’s most trusted players in his first few months in charge, but there is a growing discussion about their place in the side.

Tottenham lack incisiveness and unpredictability in possession with Palhinha and Bentancur in the centre of the park, and there have been calls for Frank to put his faith in youth, with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr waiting to make their mark.

However, patience is running thin, and Frank needs to build in some consistency and familiarity if he is to start laying the foundations for the culture that served him so well at Brentford.

“As I said, I think there is a good foundation. It's not like it was ground zero. I think there is a very good foundation on the culture,” Frank continued.

“I think the players are very good people. They want the best. They care about each other. How can we build that better and better to have that? We say winning mentality.

“What is winning mentality? It's every game. It's every minute of every game. It's three times a week, where you need to be very competitive. That kind of culture. Dealing with setbacks. Dealing with where we want to build something. And then the consistency.

“That's the next bit we try to build in performances, of course. But it's also players that consistently can play with the physical load, the mental load, three days a week and performing. That's the next challenge.”

After three wins from their opening four league games, Tottenham have since won just two of their last 10, leaving them 11th in the table.

“Definitely, definitely I’ve felt that,” Frank said. “It hasn’t surprised me because I knew that was the difference when I walked into it. But like anything else, you don’t know it before you’re standing in it. Like, really know it.

“So now I know it, so ‘OK, it’s like this, hmm’. Then we deal with it.”

Slow starts in his two previous head coach roles, at Brondby and Brentford, have taught him to stick to his principles. His Bees tenure started with a run of one win from his opening 10 games in charge. But patience paid off.

He continued: “I think both experiences showed me [that] you can stick to your principles, processes, structure, to what you believe in. Constantly try to add the layers you want to add to the squad in terms of culture, behaviour, the way you want to play, finding the right formula, all that. You just need to keep doing that.”

Frank is realistic enough to know he may not be afforded that time at Tottenham. Results need to change and quickly.

A “freak” opening to Spurs’ last home game saw Tottenham go 2-0 down to Fulham inside six minutes, as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was booed by his own fans after failing to clear his lines in the lead-up to Fulham’s second goal.

A spirited second-half performance against Newcastle on Tuesday has provided hope, though, and Frank has stressed the importance of remaining calm as the noise intensifies around him and his players.

“I still think it was a freak six minutes, but that, of course, happens when things are not perfect,” Frank, who is looking for just his second home league win as Tottenham boss, continued.

“I think it's about talking about it. You can't run away from it. Can't do that. So, of course, speak about it.

“No matter what happens, stick to the plan. No matter what happens, be calm. No matter what happens, keep doing what we should do.

“And then encourage each other. And then, like with everything, it's one step at a time. Keep doing the right thing. Keep working your way into the game.

“And then we know every game, you will have a bit of momentum. And then it's about taking that momentum you have.”

Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie had both been spotted moving gingerly during Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at Newcastle on Tuesday night.

However, the pair will both be available for a London derby this weekend as Frank looks to secure just a second home league win as Tottenham boss against his former club.

Micky van de Ven will also be restored in central defence. The Dutchman was named on the bench at St James’ Park earlier this week, but will likely take the place of Kevin Danso against Brentford.

Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain out and Frank said there was no new update on when the key pair would be back in contention.

“When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update,” the Dane said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Despite Spurs salvaging a point at the death against Newcastle, the pressure is still firmly on Frank as he prepares to welcome his former team to north London.

He may also look to rotate in attack, with Johnson dropping out of the side for Xavi Simons.

The Dutch playmaker has yet to find his feet at Tottenham, but showed glimpses of his ability during the 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

“Xavi has trained fantastic the last whatever five, six times,” Frank said. “Very good attitude on the training pitch, I like that a lot.

Son will be on the pitch before kick-off for a ceremony to official bid farewell to the club. He will also be handed the microphone to directly address supporters.

He said: “When I announced my difficult decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was in Korea and I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium.

“Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family. It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the Club that this happens.”

The new MLS campaign does not start until February and there have been suggestions that Son could secure a short-term loan move to a European club to maintain his fitness.

He said: "I've never spoken to any club about a winter move. Such talk is simply untrue. For me, showing respect to my club and giving everything where I play — that's what matters most. That won't change.

"I won't leave LAFC this winter, or ever, while I'm here. I respect this club deeply. As long as I'm wearing this badge, there will be no such thing as a loan or a move. Never.

"I know fans get confused when rumours fly, but those stories aren't true. And honestly, it might be disrespectful to my team to even talk that way. I love this club, and I have huge respect for everyone here."