Tottenham Hotspur finally ended their torrid seven-game winless streak in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, securing a 2-0 win over Brentford thanks to Vitaly Janelt's first-half own goal and Pape Sarr's late strike.
The victory, Tottenham's first in the league in 2025, lifts them to 14th in the table with 27 points, while Brentford remain 11th in the standings with 31 points from 24 fixtures.
Brentford were dominant for large periods of the first 45 minutes, pinning Tottenham inside their box for lengthy spells, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock when Heung-min Son's corner was deflected into his own net by Janelt on the half hour mark, leaving the hosts trailing heading into the break.
The Spurs defence was continuously tried and tested throughout the second half as Brentford pushed for an elusive equaliser, and their hard work paid off when Sarr raced into the box and poked his effort through Hakon Valdimarsson's legs to score a settling second with just minutes of the match remaining.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Ange Postecoglou's side are seemingly starting to hit form once more, securing an encouraging 3-0 win against Young Boys in midweek and following it up with a superb 2-0 victory over Brentford here.
Despite having to once again name a defensive setup without a recognised central defender, the Spurs backline defended valiantly to deny a free-scoring Brentford side from hitting the back of the net.
Aspects of their attacking play would have also impressed Postecoglou, with several chances going narrowly amiss, opportunities that you would think Dominic Solanke will thrive upon once he returns from injury.
BRENTFORD VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS
Vitaly Janelt own goal vs. Brentford (29th min, Brentford 0-1 Tottenham)
Heung-Min Son's corner finds its way into the back of net! 😲 pic.twitter.com/OjlupC0O2u
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 2, 2025
Tottenham take the lead, Janelt has turned the ball into his own net!
Son delivers a wonderful corner right on top of the Brentford goalkeeper, and Valdimarsson does not cover himself in glory as he is caught behind his defenders and unable to get a hand on the ball.
The corner is allowed to come down and hits Janelt's back, deflecting into his own net with his goalkeeper stranded in no man's land.
Pape Sarr goal vs. Brentford (87th min, Brentford 0-2 Tottenham)
Pape Sarr adds Spurs' second and SURELY their winless streak is about to end! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KEAjmY6ACK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 2, 2025
Tottenham have a second, that is superb from Sarr!
Tottenham build up from the back as the ball is played from right to left, where Son picks up the ball on the touchline and evaluates his options.
Sarr makes a run into the box, and Son's perfectly weighted ball is played right in front of the energetic midfielder, who brilliantly pokes through Valdimarsson's legs and into the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DJED SPENCE
© Imago
Spence was one of several Tottenham defenders who stood firm against Brentford on Sunday, helping Spurs to keep a clean sheet and secure their first three points in the league since December 2024.
The full-back was tasked with marking the electrifying Bryan Mbeumo, a challenge Spence seemed to relish, effectively limiting Mbeumo's involvement as the winger failed to have his usual impact in forward areas.
Spence's defensive performance was highlighted in the late stages of the match, clearing a shot off the line, and just minutes later, Spurs went up the other end and scored their second to ensure the victory.
BRENTFORD VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Brentford 54%-46% Tottenham
Shots: Brentford 20-13 Tottenham
Shots on target: Brentford 4-2 Tottenham
Corners: Brentford 10-3 Tottenham
Fouls: Brentford 4-11 Tottenham
BEST STATS
Since the start of last season, Tottenham have benefitted from more own goals (8) than any other team in the Premier League. ⚽️#BRETOT
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 2, 2025
No Tottenham player won more duels (3), completed more take-ons (2) or created more chances (2) than Djed Spence in the first half vs. Brentford. 💪#BRETOT pic.twitter.com/lx4hH6tx0V
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 2, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Brentford will now gear up for a series of away fixtures in the Premier League, travelling to London to face West Ham United on Saturday, before facing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium the following matchday.
Meanwhile, Tottenham's focus turns to domestic cup competitions, set to face Liverpool in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Thursday, followed by taking on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Ellis Stevens
