Spurs Web

Thomas Frank has now moved to applaud the Tottenham supporters after tension and criticism had sparked noise in both directions.

Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur fans have had a rocky relationship in the last few weeks.

Results have been poor for Tottenham, and supporters have not been shy to give the manager some flak, especially after disappointing performances in games.

Boos have echoed around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season on several occasions at the end of games.

But the defeat at Fulham, however, saw the boos during that match, with Spurs fans giving it large to Guglielmo Vicario after a costly mistake in the derby game.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praises Spurs fans

Frank was not best pleased with the fans’ reaction to his goalkeeper, going on to call the supporters who booed fake.

Tottenham fans were also quick to label the Dane not a real Spurs manager following the poor run of form, but now Frank has handed praise to his fans.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He spoke to Football.London and made it clear that he appreciated the response from the stands against Brentford, revealing how the shift in atmosphere struck him.

Frank said, “The Spurs fans are great fans. Sometimes there is ups, sometimes there is downs in football and life. But I like how the team responded.

“I like how the whole stadium, the fans responded. Maybe it was me, but I noticed when Vicario’s name was announced before kick-off, I think an extra high roar.

“I love that. That makes me warm inside because that is where you support your player, because no one, like no one, should be talking bad about our players.

“The fans should feel like that. No one. They should protect them and I think today there was a fantastic energy between both the team and the fans.”

Spurs need fans behind them moving forward

Indeed, in football, the players need the fans who can be an extra man on the pitch for them when they cheer them on.

However, for Tottenham fans, it can be difficult for them to keep cheering on when performances are flat and lacklustre.

The players and the manager need to put in performances that will get fans to get behind them, like the display today against Brentford.

Spurs played with real intent and were taking the game to the Bees, and when such a performance is on display, every fan will lend a voice.

The mood around Tottenham Hotspur is much improved after a 2-0 victory over Brentford, but one big concern has been raised on the injury front.

Tottenham Hotspur have finally put an end to their winless run in the Premier League, thanks to a second London derby victory of the season.

Randal Kolo Muani enjoyed another start, although he was unable to join his fellow centre forward on the scoresheet.

After the match, a journalist revealed a potential cause for concern surrounding Muani, although it actually has nothing to do with his performance.

Randal Kolo Muani might have picked up an injury in Tottenham vs Brentford

Muani had Spurs fans excited after his performance against PSG in the Champions League and he appears to have found the favour of Thomas Frank based on his recent first-team inclusions.

However, concerns have been raised that the striker has suffered an injury setback against Brentford, in what would be his third different injury issue this season.

Journalist Ryan Taylor posted: “Randal Kolo Muani has just limped through the mixed zone.

MORE SPURS STORIES

[The] Frenchman was also moving gingerly just before he was subbed. Slight concern for Spurs given how excellent he has been in recent weeks.”

Mathys Tel would benefit if Muani is ruled out

The addition of Muani has added some healthy competition into the Tottenham first-team squad, while the Frenchman has also been used alongside Richarlison.

However, Muani’s improved form has harmed Mathys Tel, who has received very few chances in recent weeks.

It would be bad news for Spurs if the concerns about Muani prove true, but Tel will be relishing another opportunity to show what he can do, having already impressed once or twice this season.

Thomas Frank has revealed what he thinks of Xavi Simons’ display after his goal and assist helped Tottenham Hotspur defeat Brentford.

Tottenham Hotspur were in desperate need of a victory and there was a clear intent to be more positive and play to win all three points against Brentford.

Spurs got the job done in the first half, scoring twice to enter the interval with a comfortable lead. Their defensive strength was displayed in the second, as the visitors struggled to cause any real problems.

Xavi Simons played an important role in Tottenham’s 2-0 win, assisting Richarlison before scoring his first ever Premier League goal.

Thomas Frank is pleased with Xavi Simons

Simons has had to endure four consecutive Spurs matches without a start, but he was finally included in his team’s starting lineup against Brentford. Thomas Frank’s decision certainly paid off, as Simons gave Tottenham a creative spark which has been missing in recent weeks.

Frank is not only happy with how the attacking midfielder played on Saturday afternoon, but by how hard he has worked behind the scenes.

Speaking after the match, he told BBC Sport: “Very pleasing [Simons’ performance]. I am really so pleased for him because he has been working so hard on the training pitch and in the gym.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“He is a 24/7 pro and wants it so badly. I think he has been on a good run and close to being decisive. Today with an assist and a goal, very good.”

Simons must continue to start for Tottenham

It is no secret that Simons did not get off to the best start since he made the move to North London. However, his displays have consistently been improving ever since the win over Leeds United back in October.

Spurs have some big clashes coming up this month against the likes of Liverpool and Crystal Palace and Simons will be needed to provide the moments of magic his team need.

Tottenham are back to winning ways in the Premier League, and Xavi Simons finally delivered the moment he has been waiting for, opening his account in England with a performance that caught the eye.

Thomas Frank rang the changes at the weekend as his Tottenham Hotspur side sought a win after going five games without a single victory.

Xavi Simons returned to the Tottenham side after missing the last four outings, marking one of four changes made by Frank against his former side, Brentford.

The Tottenham players responded in emphatic fashion, grabbing a much-needed victory that was spearheaded by Simons, who set up the first goal before adding a second with a lovely solo run.

Xavi Simons reacts to his first Tottenham goal

Following the game against Brentford, the Dutchman opened up about what it feels like to have grabbed his first Tottenham goal.

“It feels really good. I am really happy to win the three points and step-by-step we are working to bring that to the fans,” he told BBC Sport.

On his first Premier League goal, he continued: “When I received the ball I said to myself, just go. I know I am quite fast with the ball so I saw some space and I went to it.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking on what that moment meant to him, he continued: “It means a lot. I have been through new situations in private life and football and you have to handle that every day and come into the club with the mindset of working.

“For sure I knew it would come, it was just a matter of time. I put the work and dedication in every day and it was important to score but the most important thing was the three points.”

Xavi Simons on what comes next for him

Simons also reflected on his assist for the opening goal, highlighting the tactical detail Tottenham worked on during the week as they looked to exploit Brentford’s high defensive line.

On his assist he said: “This week we knew that the centre-backs would come high up and I saw the space. I tried to make the run and I know Richarlison is always there so I passed it to him.”

On whether today was a sign of things to come, he added: “I was hungry to play today. I want to play football. I want to enjoy being here everyday with the fans and making my dreams come true.”

Tottenham Hotspur have finally won at home, so we have switched up our traditional three winners and losers format to celebrate a well earned three points.

Tottenham Hotspur have put an end to a dreadful run in the Premier League by securing a 2-0 victory over Brentford.

The win is particularly significant as it took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs would be expected to enjoy the comforts of familiar surroundings, but they were without a win there since the opening weekend of the season until today.

After such a positive performance, let us take a look at the five star players from Tottenham’s Saturday afternoon triumph.

Xavi Simons stole the show for Tottenham

Thomas Frank has not helped his popularity ratings by benching Xavi Simons, but the midfielder will not find himself in that position again any time soon.

Simons was the key man in attack for Spurs, assisting Richarlison for the opening goal and scoring the second after an excellent run.

The Dutchman could have put Tottenham three ahead, as he had a good shooting chance when Caoimhin Kelleher temporarily left his net exposed. Unfortunately Simons’ shot was hit straight at the Brentford goalkeeper, but his overall display was a big step in the right direction.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Micky van de Ven stepped up in defence

No Tottenham player can claim to have been more consistent this season than Micky van de Ven. Every time the speedster plays he gives his absolute all and he produced another fine performance against Brentford.

The visitors had very few chances and van de Ven was a big reason for their attacking struggles.

While the 24-year-old might be disappointed he could not add to his goals tally in the first half after heading an effort over the bar, he will be delighted with how he is defending. His partnership with Cristian Romero was truly at its strongest and that is why Spurs kept a rare clean sheet.

Cristian Romero had a great game for Spurs

Both of Tottenham’s central defenders deserve a special mention today because it was an excellent display all-round at the back.

Romero put in some good tackles, including one particularly strong sliding challenge towards the end when van de Ven found himself in a spot of bother. He almost delivered another goal contribution too, providing Randal Kolo Muani with an early opportunity.

The only negative for the Spurs captain is that he was shown a second yellow card in two matches. If he receives three more, that will see him banned for two matches.

Richarlison was the top performing striker for Tottenham

Muani was the forward every Spurs fan was raving about after the PSG game, but Richarlison has been the player consistently banging in goals all season.

The Brazilian’s overall performances have not always hit the mark, but he worked hard against Brentford and got himself into a good position to open the scoring.

It will be interesting to see how Richarlison performs throught the rest of the campaign. With his contract running down, a decision will have to be made surrounding his future next summer.

Rodrigo Bentancur deserves credit for an improved performance

Mohammed Kudus had a bright display on the right wing and including him as the fifth winner would be fair enough. However, it is important to recognise the performance of a player who has quite rightly been slated for how he has played this season.

Bentancur has contributed next to nothing in the Tottenham midfield, but he was a lot better during Tottenham’s 2-0 victory.

The Uruguayan won all his ground duels, made lots of recoveries and showed a bit of ambition to get the ball forwards. Questions will continue to be asked about whether Bentancur deserves to be starting, but Saturday’s performance was much better than what he has previously delivered.

Tottenham returned to winning ways at home with a result that offered relief to Thomas Frank and his side, who are now three points off the top four.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham 2-0 Brentford in the Premier League:

Tottenham finally end home drought with much-needed victory

Tottenham Hotspur’s poor home record is no secret, with the Lilywhites’ dismal form spanning from last season.

In fact, at some point during their poor home run, Spurs managed just three wins from their last twenty games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League across last season and this season combined.

A home game is no guarantee that Tottenham will win, but today was an exception as Spurs secured a 2-0 win over Brentford.

It was the sort of performance you would expect from any top side, with Spurs starting this game with a lot of intent.

Their front-footed play was rewarded, and it also ended a run of three months without a home win, with the last victory at their at their own turf coming against Burnley back in August.

MORE SPURS STORIES

A welcome change, but consistency is what really matters from here on.

Xavi Simons breaks through with goal and assist in standout display

Simons has had a difficult start to life in a Tottenham shirt, with the midfielder failing to score a single goal since his summer move.

His poor displays had seen him miss the last four Tottenham games, but today Frank opted to include the Dutchman from the off.

The 22-year-old played like a man on a mission, showing bite and forward thinking, something the Spurs have lacked in midfield of late.

His display was capped off with a goal and an assist, with his first goal in a Tottenham shirt coming from a solo effort after he showed fight in midfield, winning the ball.

He is slowly adapting and getting used to the Premier League, and if this is a glimpse of what is to come, then the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may have a star on its hands.

Thomas Frank avoids unwanted narrative with key win over Brentford

Yes, Tottenham needed a win given their poor run of no victories in their last five league outings, but Thomas Frank needed this victory more to avoid the headlines.

Coming into this fixture, Brentford were level on points with Spurs, and had they secured a win on Frank’s home turf, they would have leapfrogged Tottenham into the top half of the table.

After having taken the majority of the Brentford coaching staff, a defeat at home against them would have been a bad look.

Questions would have followed about whether Spurs took the right man from the Bees, but that matters little as the Dane managed to get a well-deserved victory over his former side.

Archie Gray excels as midfield balance returns for Spurs

The pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha has slowly been fading of late, with a once stubborn Frank now searching for more attacking thrust from midfield.

The Portuguese and the Uruguayan did not start together today, nor did they do so in midweek. However, Palhinha’s replacement, Archie Gray, looked very solid and was fantastic in that pivot role.

He offered balance to Tottenham’s play, kept attacks ticking, and was not afraid to make underlapping runs, while the defensive side of his performance was top-notch as well.

A start in the Champions League during the week will be welcomed by fans.

Left-wing competition remains wide open despite improved attacking display

Coming into the game, Frank opened up on how the left wing spot is still there for the taking and how he has to rotate his options.

Today, we saw Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani deployed together, with both players often rotating and taking turns out wide and centrally.

Richarlison impressed with a goal, while Kolo Muani brought plenty to Spurs’ attacking phase even without scoring, but there is still a slot open on the left for a winger who is willing to step up.

The full-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford in the Premier League, and the player ratings are in.

Goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons secured Tottenham a 2-0 victory, and in reality it could have been much more in a dominating performance.

Tottenham full-time player ratings vs Brentford

Guglielmo Vicario – Brentford had few efforts that truly tested Vicario, but the Tottenham goalkeeper was equal to the task whenever called upon. 7.

Pedro Porro – A really positive display from Porro, who mixed his game up well against Brentford. In the first half he looked eager to join the attack, and he carried that intent into the second period as Spurs continued to push forward. He also offered creativity from deep with dangerous crosses from midfield areas. 7.5.

Cristian Romero – A solid display from the centre-back, who played a major role in Spurs clean sheet with his usual combative style of defending. He also looked for a goal contribution in the first half when his header back across goal from a Tottenham corner found Muani, but the forward failed to convert. 7.

Micky van de Ven – A top defensive performance from the Dutchman in both halves this afternoon, sticking tight to Thiago and limiting the Brazilian’s looks at goal with several well-timed recovery tackles. He also drove Tottenham up the pitch with trademark surging runs from defence into attack. 8.

Djed Spence – Tottenham were far more positive in this matchup, and Spence’s ventures forward almost paid off when he found himself one-on-one with Kelleher, but he could not apply the finishing touch. 6.5.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Rodrigo Bentancur – A much improved display from the Uruguayan, who shielded the back four intelligently while also looking to play forward with greater confidence. 7.

Archie Gray – A quiet but effective outing from Gray alongside Bentancur in the pivot. He was not shy to step forward when space opened, and with Tottenham preventing any long-range threats, it will be a performance he can be satisfied with. 6.5.

Xavi Simons – The Dutchman truly announced himself to the Tottenham faithful with a complete showing. He played with bite, intent and quality, assisting Richarlison’s opener before adding a lovely solo goal to double the lead. Chances were limited after the break, and he could have had another had he picked out the corner when Kelleher gifted him the ball. 9.

Mohammed Kudus – Very positive across both halves, frequently linking well with the overlapping Porro and constantly looking to drive Spurs forward. He also forced the Brentford goalkeeper into action, but the effort was saved. 7.5.

Randal Kolo Muani – The Frenchman could have scored in the first half when Romero headed across goal from a corner, but Muani directed his effort straight at the Brentford keeper. Chances faded after the interval, yet he continued to press, chase and work tirelessly for the cause. 7.

Richarlison – The Brazil forward opened the scoring with a simple tap-in from Simons cross and continued to trouble Brentford with his movement. He managed a few half-chances after the break without reward, but overall it was a well-rounded, hardworking performance from the number nine. 8.

Substitute

Joao Palhinha – Introduced by Thomas Frank for Bentancur around the hour mark and slotted directly into the pivot role. 6.

Wilson Odobert – Replaced Muani with a Champions League fixture on the horizon, operating down the left flank. 6.

Pape Sarr – The Senegal international replaced Kudus and had a golden opportunity to make it three after Spence picked him out in space, but he could not adjust his feet quickly and fired straight at Kelleher. N/A.

The half-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford in the Premier League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham lead 2-0 at the break courtesy of goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons.

Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Brentford

Guglielmo Vicario – The Italian was not tested much in the first forty-five minutes, with Igor Thiago the only player to threaten the Tottenham goalkeeper, who was equal to the task. 6.

Pedro Porro – The full-back looked very attacking in the first half, as he was not scared to make overlapping runs, offering Frank’s side much-needed width. 6.

Cristian Romero – The centre-back has put in the sort of performance one would expect from him. He has been aggressive in his play, already picking up a booking, and he could have had an assist to his name after his header across goal from a Spurs corner found Randal Kolo Muani, but the forward failed to convert. 6.

Micky van de Ven – The Dutchman returned to the starting eleven today and has looked solid, often helping to sweep up any balls over the top from Brentford, while also getting tight to Thiago. 7.

Djed Spence – Brentford have barely threatened Tottenham, and Spence has had little to do defensively, except for the few occasions when Kayode looked to attack. The full-backs for Spurs have been more advanced, with Spence also making forward runs. 6.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Rodrigo Bentancur – Solid in the middle of the pitch, but his passing and care in possession have not always been tidy, with the midfielder sometimes losing the ball. 6.5.

Archie Gray – The teenager is the player with the licence to go forward despite operating in one of the pivot roles. He has often looked to join the attack down the left, offering underlapping runs. 6.

Xavi Simons – The Dutchman has been neat and tidy with his passing and touches, often eyeing a forward and positive ball to bring his teammates into the game. He was rewarded for his forward thinking as he provided the assist for Tottenham’s opener, and he capped off a top first-half display with a lovely solo effort, driving into a gaping hole in Brentford’s midfield and defence before picking out the bottom left corner. 9.

Mohammed Kudus – The wide man appears to be operating more centrally in Spurs setup, closer to Simons and Muani. He remains a threat on the counter-attack for Tottenham, creating one of the best chances of the game when his cross found Richarlison, whose effort was blocked. 7.

Randal Kolo Muani – A very industrious outing for the Frenchman, who was willing to do the dirty work, often tracking back to help defensively. At the top end of the pitch, he has tried to influence play by holding the ball up and bringing others into the game. He also had a good chance to double Spurs lead but headed straight at Kelleher. He would have been better served directing the effort across goal. 6.5.

Thomas Frank has revealed why Destiny Udogie is not part of the matchday squad against Brentford.

While the term ‘must-win game’ is overused in football, rarely has there been a time when that term is more appropriate than Tottenham’s clash against Brentford this afternoon.

The Lilywhites are winless at home since the opening day of the season, and some have even called on Frank to resign if Spurs fail to beat the Bees.

The Tottenham boss has named an attacking line-up this afternoon, but there is one very curious absentee.

Xavi Simons, Richarlison, Archie Gray, and Micky van de Ven come into the starting line-up from the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, and so does Djed Spence in place of Udogie.

The Italian finds no place on the bench either, and Frank has now revealed that he picked up an injury in training.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, the Dane said (via Alasdair Gold): “Destiny unfortunately picked up an injury. Xavi looked good in training, looked sharp. Richy and Kolo have been good as well and looking better and better, sharper and sharper.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Xavi Simons needs to step up for Spurs

This is Xavi’s first start for Tottenham in five matches, and the Dutchman certainly has a point to prove to the Spurs boss.

Frank has continued to back Xavi to come good once he settles into the Premier League, but the £52m summer signing desperately needs a good performance for his own confidence.

Spurs fans will be hoping that he can step up and be the creative spark that the Lilywhites have been lacking at home all season.

The Tottenham Hotspur team for the Premier League match against Brentford has been announced ahead of kick-off.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank comes into the match against his former side under intense pressure with a run of just one win in his last eight matches in all competitions.

Since Frank took charge, Spurs have managed just one Premier League victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which came against newcomers Burnley on the opening day of the 25/26 season.

Brentford are making their second visit to North London in the space of a week, having lost 2-0 at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Tottenham team line-up announced

Micky van de Ven was an unused substitute against Newcastle, but comes back into the side to partner Cristian Romero, who was Tottenham’s two-goal hero in the 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.

Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain out with Frank saying there was no new update on the pair earlier this week.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The big news is that Xavi Simons comes back into the starting eleven, meanwhile Archie Gray partners Rodrigo Bentancur in the base of midfield.

This is the Spurs team selected by Thomas Frank which takes to the field in N17 this afternoon:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Gray; Kudus, Simons; Richarlison, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Davies, Palhinha, Bergvall, Sarr, Tel, Johnson, Odobert

Brentford: Kelleher, Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Ajer, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade, Thiago

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, Henry, Pinnock, Jensen, Onyeka, Janelt, Donovan, Lewis-Potter

Frank is under pressure to beat Brentford

Frank build a solid reputation for himself at Brentford, but his start to life at Tottenham has seen the Dane’s job security come under question.

Tottenham headed into this weekend in eleventh place in the Premier League table and are at risk of falling behind the clubs above them who are in contention for European football.