Reasons Tottenham Hotspur beat Brentford in the Premier League

Tottenham played with defensive intensity and intent

In an effort that has not been seen as completely as it was since Spurs’ early-season three-match unbeaten run, Tottenham Hotspur showed the desire to play defence against Brentford. This desire was not something only displayed by the three backs, it was something everyone on the pitch participated in.

Brentford got nothing for free against Tottenham as Spurs players pressed, pressured, and cut angles on the ball. More importantly, off the ball, Spurs defended with vigor making sure anyone with the potential to receive the ball had a defender within an arm’s length.

Tottenham was not playing the Leeds United man-to-man all over the pitch, but it had to feel like it for the Bees players.

Tottenham again had a plan with the ball

In the loss to NS Mura and even in the win over Leeds Tottenham players were often tentative and unsure when they had the ball. Against Leeds, Spurs got away with that uneasiness and managed to win anyway. Against Mura, the uncertainty turned into something far worse, and Spurs lost.

Against Brentford, in Conte’s fifth game in charge of the team in all competitions, Spurs looked like a team with a plan when they had the ball.

Tottenham did not pass well as a team overall, completing less than 80% of their passes versus Brentford and having less than 50% of the possession. However, that was not from any tentativeness in their play or uncertainty in the plan.

Rather, if anything, Spurs poor passing numbers were more a reflection of players forcing the plan and at times forcing it too early in the possession.

Although we would rather see those passes connecting, what was always there – outside of defenders doing plenty of targetless clearing – was a purpose to the passes. On the second goal, Son was on the run before Kane had even played the ball wide. Spurs number 10 knew exactly what he needed to do in that situation without hesitation.

That assuredness in what to do, both on and off the ball, is something that will only increase as the team gets more time with Conte, which should excite fans and concern the four or five teams Spurs are contending with for fourth place. Against Brentford that assuredness, some great play from one of Spurs stars, and a big helping of effort were enough.