3 positives, 3 negatives from Tottenham's 3-1 win against Brentford

On Saturday, 21st September, Tottenham Hotspur hosted Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of MD5 of the Premier League, in what was quite an important game for the home side, despite the season just beginning.

Ange Postecoglou’s men came into this fixture with a pressing need to secure 3 points. After four league matches, Spurs had only accumulated 4 points, including a crucial defeat in the North London derby against Arsenal.

Against Brentford, the Lilywhites managed to secure a victory despite the worst possible start to the match. Goals came courtesy of Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison. Now, let’s dive into the positives and negatives of this much-needed win. Let’s get to it!

3 positives, 3 negatives from Tottenham's 3-1 win against Brentford

Positives

1. Dominant response after early setback: Tottenham couldn’t have asked for a worse start, conceding after just 22 seconds. However, their response was swift and assertive. Solanke’s equaliser, only eight minutes later, showcased the team’s mental strength, with Maddison's blocked shot creating the chance. The early setback didn’t shake their confidence, which set the tone for the rest of the match.

2. Solanke’s breakthrough: Solanke’s first goal in Tottenham colours couldn’t have come at a better time. After five games without scoring, the pressure was mounting on the striker. His composed finish will surely boost his confidence moving forward, especially with the Europa League clash against Qarabag just days away. A confident Solanke could be key for Spurs in upcoming fixtures.

3. Tactical adaptations from Ange: Postecoglou’s in-game changes were spot on. Bringing on Sarr in the second half ensured more control in the midfield, while his substitutions in the final minutes allowed the team to rest key players and give young talents like Mikey Moore valuable game time.

Negatives

1. Defensive vulnerability: Tottenham’s habit of conceding early continues to be a concern. The opening goal by Mbuemo after just 22 seconds mirrored their slow starts in previous matches. This pattern of shaky beginnings puts unnecessary pressure on the team and will need addressing, especially against tougher opposition.

2. Wastefulness in front of goal: Despite the 3-1 scoreline, Spurs missed several clear-cut chances. Solanke, Johnson, and Kulusevski all had opportunities to extend the lead, with Solanke in particular being denied by Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken. While creating chances is a positive, their wastefulness in front of goal could prove costly in tighter matches.

3. Lack of early midfield control: Although Tottenham eventually took control of the match, the first half saw moments where Brentford’s midfield found space too easily. The absence of control in key areas allowed Brentford to look dangerous on the break, and Spurs were fortunate not to concede more than the early goal.

Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Brentford was a much-needed victory that demonstrated both their potential and areas for improvement. Solanke’s breakthrough goal, Postecoglou’s tactical adaptability, and the team’s overall resilience were clear positives.

However, their defensive vulnerabilities and missed chances highlight areas where improvements are necessary. With a Europa League fixture looming, Spurs must use this momentum wisely as they look to build on their early-season form.