Tottenham Hotspur finally earned the kind of result that can ease pressure and spark belief again, sealing a calm and controlled 2-0 victory over Brentford. For Thomas Frank, it felt like a long-awaited breath of relief.
Spurs had not won a Premier League match since their triumph over Everton at the end of October, and the five-game drought had only added to the frustration surrounding the new manager’s early months in charge.
Against Brentford, though, his side found a rhythm that had been missing, and two players in particular reminded supporters of what this team can become when everything clicks.
Xavi Simons walked into the match with a heavy price tag and growing expectations on his shoulders. Tottenham paid £52 million for his signature in the summer, hoping he would provide instant magic, vision, and goals. But before facing Brentford, he was still searching for his first Premier League strike.
That long wait ended in the 43rd minute when he finally delivered, placing the ball into the back of the net and sending a wave of joy across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was his 19th attempt, but it was worth every second of patience.
Not only did he score, but he also produced the assist for Richarlison’s opening goal in the 25th minute, meaning he directly contributed to both of Tottenham’s strikes on the afternoon.
Simons’ influence was not limited to moments of brilliance in front of goal. His underlying numbers told a deeper story about his growing comfort in the Premier League. He completed 86% of his passes, and five of them cut through into the final third.
He created two chances, won three fouls, and looked more confident than he had in previous matches. For Spurs fans waiting to see the version of Simons they believed the club had purchased, this felt like a glimpse into what his future could look like.
But even as he took centre stage, he wasn’t alone. Another Tottenham star produced a performance that stirred memories of Gareth Bale at his unstoppable best.
There was a time when Bale ruled the right flank at Tottenham with power, pace, and pure fearlessness. His ability to glide past defenders, switch directions at full speed, and carry the ball fifty yards up the pitch made him one of the most exciting players the Premier League had ever seen.
Since his departure to Real Madrid in 2013, Spurs have struggled to find a natural successor who possesses the same dangerous blend of intensity and unpredictability. Brennan Johnson had flashes of brilliance last season, scoring 18 goals, but never fully secured the position as his own. This year, his role has faded even further, especially after the club spent £55 million on Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus has started all but one league match since arriving and once again featured prominently against Brentford. What he produced in this match showed exactly why Frank trusts him so much. His performance was electrifying, confident, and reminiscent of the kind of wing play Spurs fans had not seen since Bale.
Kudus completed five dribbles the most of any player on the pitch and that total pushed him to 45 completed dribbles for the season, the highest in the Premier League so far. He created two chances, completed 92% of his passes, and delivered two accurate crosses. Everything he did carried purpose, flair, and control.
His impact became even clearer when looking at his full statistical breakdown from the match:
| Mohammed Kudus – Stats vs Brentford | Tally |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 80 |
| Touches | 67 |
| Pass accuracy | 92% |
| Dribbles completed | 5 |
| Crosses completed | 2 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Duels won | 9 |
| Aerial duels won | 100% |
These numbers paint the picture of a complete performance. Kudus wasn’t only dangerous when running at defenders; he also fought for possession, tracked back, and showed strength in the air.
His 100% aerial success highlighted his determination to win every battle, not just the glamorous ones. Football London rewarded him with a strong 7/10 rating, acknowledging his influence and consistency throughout the afternoon.
Simons and Kudus together offered Tottenham a glimpse of something powerful: two young, gifted attackers capable of changing a match at any moment. If they continue on this path, Spurs could finally be building the kind of attacking identity fans have been craving since the Bale era.
Kudus especially looks like a player ready to take that next step, combining technique with aggression in a way that terrifies defenders. Should he maintain this momentum, there’s every chance he becomes as important to Tottenham as Bale once was maybe even more so.
Spurs supporters have been waiting for a player with that kind of aura, someone who can lift the team simply by demanding the ball and driving forward.
For Frank, this match could be the beginning of a new chapter at Spurs. A settled attack, a confident midfield, and rising stars like Simons and Kudus could be the foundation he builds on.
The club has spent years searching for the next big figure who can define their style and lead them into a new era. After Brentford, it suddenly feels like they might have more than one.
