Tottenham Hotspur strengthened their Champions League push with a convincing 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, a performance that showed exactly why this young squad is beginning to grow in confidence and quality.
It was the kind of night that Thomas Frank has been waiting for, one where his side showed control, hunger, and a sharpness in the final third that reminded everyone how dangerous this team can be when everything clicks.
Spurs created chance after chance, firing 10 shots on target, posting an impressive xG of 2.56 and carving out five big opportunities that could easily have turned the scoreline into something even heavier.
They moved the ball with authority, made more than 50 extra passes compared to their opponents, and almost doubled Slavia’s touches in the penalty area. Every part of their display reflected dominance, intensity, and a much-needed response after the disappointing night against PSG.
Two players stood out above the rest, and both have already become fan favourites. Xavi Simons, fresh off his Premier League goal against Brentford, was rewarded with another start.
He took that chance with both hands, delivering a lively, confident, and intelligent performance across the full 90 minutes. He found the net again, scoring in back-to-back matches, and his numbers told the story of a player starting to find his rhythm.
He completed six passes into the final third, constantly pushed play forward, and was fouled three times the most of any player on the pitch because Slavia simply struggled to contain him.
Simons looks like a footballer enjoying his football, growing game by game, and proving that he will be a key piece of this Spurs project for years to come.
Mohammed Kudus matched that energy with another strong showing of his own. The Ghanaian international made his fourth consecutive start and converted a calm penalty early in the second half to score his second goal for Spurs.
His influence was clear throughout. He completed two successful dribbles, took six touches inside the box, and constantly pulled Slavia’s defenders out of position. His strength, movement, and direct running made him a problem from the first minute until the moment he came off.
Kudus brings something different to the team raw power mixed with technical sharpness and Frank clearly trusts him to deliver on the big stage.
But while Simons and Kudus grabbed the headlines, there was another young player quietly showing why he is viewed as one of the brightest prospects in English football.
Archie Gray, who joined Spurs for £40m in the summer of 2024, has had to wait longer than he hoped for consistent minutes, but his patience is now paying off. After starting two matches in a row, the teenager took his opportunity again against Slavia Prague and showed maturity far beyond his age.
His display might not have been filled with flashy moments, yet everything he did carried purpose, control, and calmness.
Gray only played 59 minutes, but in that time he produced a series of impressive numbers that underline just how talented he is, even at 19.
His passing was assured, his positioning was intelligent, and his work out of possession showed a player who already understands the demands of top-level football.
Here is a clear breakdown of Gray’s performance:
| Statistic | Tally |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 59 |
| Touches | 34 |
| Pass completion rate | 92% |
| Tackles won | 2 |
| Long ball accuracy | 100% |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Duels won | 75% |
| Interceptions | 1 |
These numbers, provided by FotMob, show exactly why many inside the club believe Gray will become a top-level midfielder. Completing 92% of his passes with total long-ball accuracy shows how composed he is under pressure.
Winning 75% of his duels and making key defensive contributions also highlights the balance he gives Spurs in midfield. Frank wants players who can control games with and without the ball, and Gray fits that profile perfectly.
His recent rise has also brought back the bold claim made by Ben Mattinson, who labelled him a “future £100m” talent. It sounded ambitious at the time, but when watching Gray now, it’s becoming easier to understand why some believe he will one day be valued at that level.
He plays with a quiet confidence, makes smart decisions, and has the physical and technical qualities to develop into a complete midfielder.
Simons and Kudus deserved their applause for the goals and attacking threat, but Gray’s growth is equally important for Tottenham’s long-term plan. Frank has built a young and promising squad, strengthened by spending big on talented players with high ceilings, and now those players are beginning to deliver.
With Simons maturing, Kudus finding rhythm, and Gray rising with each match, Spurs fans have every reason to feel excited. This win over Slavia was more than just three points—it was a glimpse into what this team could become as these young stars continue evolving.
