First-half goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons helped relieve the pressure on Thomas Frank as Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Richarlison gave Tottenham the lead in the 25th minute as he tapped home from Simons’ low cross.
Simons, starting his first game in a month, then doubled Tottenham’s advantage before half-time with a superb solo goal.
Mohammed Kudus was denied a goal after the break, but Tottenham held on for just their second home league win of the season.
Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau was at the ground; here’s how he rated the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 6
Did not have much to do, but was quick off his line and saved well from Thiago in the first half.
Pedro Porro 7
Clipped a lovely pass in behind for Simons to race on to for Tottenham’s opening goal. Completed the most tackles of any Tottenham player.
Cristian Romero 7
Always plays on the edge and was lucky to get away with a yellow for a robust challenge on Igor Thiago in the first half. A more measured performance after the break as Tottenham kept Brentford at arm’s length. Important tackle on Thiago as the Brentford striker threatened to get a shot off.
Micky Van de Ven 7
Returning to the starting lineup, he dealt well with Thiago's physicality. Played an important role in possession.
Djed Spence 6
Kept his cool up against one of the most formidable full-backs in the league, in Michael Kayode.
Rodrigo Bentancur 6
Got about the pitch, bridging the gap between defence and attack well. Made the most defensive contributions of any player on the pitch. Replaced by Joao Palhinha in the 65th minute as Frank looked to solidify Tottenham’s lead.
A mature display from Gray, who is proving his credentials as Frank looks to settle on a preferred midfield combination.
Mohammed Kudus 7
Worked hard out of possession and was always an option as Tottenham looked to get forward down the right flank. Tested Kelleher with a left-footed shot early in the second half. Denied a goal by the offside flag.
Xavi Simons 9
Starting his first game in over a month, Simons was electric. The talk pre-game had been whether he could nail down a starting spot on the left of Tottenham’s attack, but he popped up on the right to assist Richarlison for the opening goal before doubling Tottenham’s lead with a superb solo goal.
Richarlison 8
In the battle of the two Brazilian strikers, Richarlison won to give Tottenham a priceless win. Opened the scoring with a controlled finish from Simons’ cross.
Randal Kolo Muani 7
A busy performance. Looked to drop deep and get involved in the play. Denied by Kelleher with a header from a corner in the first half.
Subs
Joao Palhinha (Bentancur, 65’) 7
Gave Tottenham some fresh impetus in midfield, snapping into tackles and keeping play ticking. Gray’s performance may just keep him out of the side a little while longer, though.
Wilson Odobert (Kolo Muani, 74’) 6
Gave Tottenham legs on the counter as they soaked up some late Brentford pressure.
Kevin Danso (Romero, 81’) 6
Shored up Tottenham’s defence as they held on for their first clean sheet at home since the opening game of the season.
Pape Matar Sarr (Kudus, 81’) 6
Should have scored when found free in the area by Spence. Provided energy in the centre of the park.
