Brentford Dominates

The Gtech Community Stadium was a hostile venue for Roberto de Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur side, who were hammered 3-0 by Brentford. Brentford’s starting XI were a cohesive unit, with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher earning a 6 for his calm display. The midfield trio of Michael Kayode (7), Kristoffer Ajer (6) and Nathan Collins (6) kept the pressure on, while the front line of Keane Lewis-Potter (7), Vitaly Janelt (7) and Mathias Jensen (7) made the most of the chances. Dango Ouattara (6) showed a strong work-rate, but his poor touch cost him a goal-scoring opportunity. The club-record signing Mamadou Sangare was the standout, earning an 8 for his possession-winning and play-making that set up Lewis-Potter’s opener. Igor Thiago (7) was a physical presence, but his missed second-half penalty was a blot on an otherwise solid performance. Kevin Schade (6) linked well with Thiago, while the substitutes - Yehor Yarmoliuk (5), Jaidon Anthony (5), Aaron Hickey, Mikkel Damsgaard and Callum Wilson - were largely unused.

Tottenham Struggles

Tottenham’s starting XI suffered a collective collapse. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky (5) was at fault for Janelt’s first goal, and his distribution was erratic. Archie Gray (5) was forced to play as an emergency right-back, while Marcos Senesi (5) and Jan Paul van Hecke (5) were unable to cope with the physicality of Thiago and the movement of Brentford’s Brazilian striker. Andrew Robertson (5) struggled against Brentford’s pace on the right flank. Conor Gallagher (4) was booked for a trip on Sangare and was replaced at half-time. Lucas Bergvall (4) and Sandro Tonali (4) were both ineffective, with Tonali’s debut for the £100m signing described as “desperately poor”. Mikey Moore (6) was isolated on the right flank but managed to create some danger. Richarlison (4) and Mathys Tel (4) failed to influence the game.

Key Performances

Sangare’s 8 rating made him the highest-scoring player in the match, and his role in winning possession and setting up the opening goal was key. Lewis-Potter’s clinical finish and Janelt’s second goal were also highlighted, while Kelleher’s saves kept the scoreline from widening further. On the Spurs side, Moore’s 6 rating was the only positive takeaway, as he provided some threat on the right. The substitutes for Tottenham - Mateus Fernandes, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie - were largely unused or had minimal impact.

The match concluded with Brentford securing a 3-0 victory, a result that left Tottenham’s defensive frailties exposed and highlighted the need for improvement before the season progresses.

Sangare’s performance was rated 8, the highest among all players.