Opening Day Shock
Brentford beat Tottenham 3-0 on the first day of the Premier League, exposing the same flaws that plagued the Spurs side after a costly summer rebuild. Goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode dismantled a new-look Tottenham that had spent just over £300 million on new faces.
Andrews’ Celebration and Coaching Add-On
Brentford manager Keith Andrews added former Republic of Ireland teammate Damien Duff to his coaching staff over the summer. The pair savoured the deserved victory, a win that also highlighted the impact of the Bees’ marquee signing Mamadou Sangare, who cost £41 million.
New Signings and Early Trouble
Archie Gray became the club’s youngest captain since Steve Perryman in the 1970s. In the back four, new signings Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi struggled to find rhythm. Robertson almost put the ball into his own net early on, while Bees skipper Nathan Collins stabbed a chance wide from six yards out.
The 12-Minute Spark
Sangare set up the opening goal after just 12 minutes. He played a one-two on the edge of the box, burst to the byline and cut the ball back for Lewis-Potter to convert. The Bees kept piling forward; Dango Ouattara was put through by Igor Thiago but was thwarted by Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs’ Defensive Lapses
The pressure was evident in the 33rd minute when Kinsky could only parry a Mathias Jensen shot from the edge of the box, and Janelt snatched the rebound. Tottenham’s first-half was best summed up when the ball dropped 18 yards out to £100 million man Sandro Tonali, who shanked his volley miles over the crossbar.
Mid-Half and the Third Goal
Things did not improve after the break, even with the half-time arrival of £85 million midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The third goal came when Collins headed a corner down at the far post; Sangare’s snap-shot was beaten away by Kinsky and Kayode lashed in the loose ball.
Fans’ Chant and Missed Chances
Brentford fans chanted “Thomas Frank, he’s laughing at you,” a nod to their former boss whose disastrous spell at Spurs last season left De Zerbi picking up the pieces. Moments later it should have been four after Rodrigo Bentancur bundled over Kevin Schade in the area, but last term’s top scorer Thiago rolled his spot-kick against a post.
Spurs’ Young Spark
19-year-old homegrown winger Mikey Moore provided the only bright spark, delivering two efforts that were saved by Bees keeper Caoimhin Kelleher on an otherwise dark opening day for Spurs.
