Tottenham Hotspur experienced a remarkable shift in mood within just a week, and much of that change came down to finally having a true playmaker on the pitch. Seven days earlier, frustration filled the stands, and the bond between supporters and players looked strained.
But football moves quickly, and under the rain at Newcastle and back home in N17, the connection was rebuilt. What felt like a relationship on the verge of collapse suddenly found life again.
Last weekend, the players formed a post-match huddle while boos rang from their own fans. This time, when they gathered again, they were met with applause, a warm reminder of how dramatically everything can change.
Even Guglielmo Vicario, who had been jeered after early errors the previous week, heard his name roared when the line-up was read out. A clear sign that the crowd wanted to move forward.
The biggest difference came from Xavi Simons. Tottenham paid a big fee for him in the summer, beating Chelsea to his signature, yet he had been benched for four straight matches. Without him, Spurs had failed to register a single first-half shot on target in any of those games.
Thomas Frank had hinted repeatedly that he wanted to see better attitude and reaction from the young Dutchman, but when he finally started again, the transformation was immediate.
From the opening minutes, Xavi brought rhythm, speed and unpredictability. Every attack seemed to run through him, while Bentancur and Archie Gray worked tirelessly behind him, allowing the 22-year-old to play freely.
His clever touches, quick turns and crisp passing lit up the pitch and got the fans out of their seats. Spurs finally looked like a team with ideas again.
His first big moment came when Pedro Porro lifted a perfect ball over the Brentford defence. Xavi read it instantly, sprinting through and squaring for Richarlison, who smashed home his fourth goal in six games. In a World Cup year, that personal battle with Igor Thiago meant a lot, and Richarlison took his chance.
Just before half-time, Xavi created another highlight. After briefly losing the ball in midfield, he reacted quickly, won it back and surged forward. The Brentford players backed off, afraid to foul him, and he kept running until he reached the box, guiding a calm finish past Caoimhin Kelleher. His celebration showed exactly what the goal meant, standing proudly on the advertising boards as fans chanted his name.
After the match Xavi admitted that the Premier League’s physicality is tough, but he also said that with regular minutes, he would only improve. He spoke about feeling the support of the fans from the day he signed and promised to keep working to become the player he wants to be.
Micky van de Ven, brilliant himself, praised Xavi’s impact and said people often underestimate how different the Premier League is compared to other leagues. He felt Xavi handled the pressure well and proved why Spurs invested heavily in him.
Thomas Frank acknowledged that this could be the performance that truly sparks Xavi’s Tottenham career. He said the midfielder has been working hard and deserves credit for adapting to new demands. The Spurs manager also felt the team as a whole finally clicked, with key players like Kudus, Kolo Muani and Richarlison finding form at the same time.
In the second half, Spurs kept pushing. Djed Spence created chances with his direct runs, Kudus tested the goalkeeper, and the defence worked tirelessly to protect their first league clean sheet since October. Van de Ven and Cristian Romero both produced huge last-ditch tackles on Thiago, and after one defensive moment, both centre-backs angrily shouted at Kudus for showboating earlier and losing the ball. They were desperate to avoid a late scare.
Romero, however, still had his usual chaotic moment, flying into a scissors tackle that many expected VAR to review more harshly. He escaped with a yellow, although his growing card count remains a concern.
Spurs continued to create chances, including one where Kudus thought he had scored and even called for a ball boy’s chair to celebrate, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Despite that, Kudus was outstanding, leading in duels, recoveries, take-ons and chances created.
His unique running style, almost unbalanced but somehow controlled, caused Brentford constant problems. With Ghana not heading to AFCON, Spurs will keep him during a key period, and his developing partnership with Xavi could become something special.
Frank will hope injuries do not disrupt momentum. Udogie missed out with another soft tissue problem, and Kolo Muani was seen limping after the match. Spurs have struggled to keep players fit, and the manager knows how quickly rhythm can be lost.
The situation with Yves Bissouma also took an unfortunate turn. Tottenham are investigating footage that allegedly shows him inhaling laughing gas again, months after facing similar disciplinary action.
With his contract winding down and other midfielders now ahead of him, it feels unlikely he will play for the club again. Spurs will hope he performs well for Mali at AFCON, giving them a chance to move him on.
Saturday’s victory was only Tottenham’s fourth home league win in more than a year, and Frank admitted it finally felt like everything came together. Spurs were aggressive, sharp, fast and creative.
They pressed well, attacked with purpose, and kept their defensive shape. For the first time in a while, the fans enjoyed themselves, and the energy inside the stadium felt positive again.
Frank praised the supporters for lifting Vicario and backing the team. He said their response made him warm inside and that unity between players and fans is vital. Spurs have lacked that harmony, but on this day, everything felt aligned.
Now the challenge is consistency. Xavi must build on this performance, and so must the manager. With Son Heung-min set to return for a special farewell appearance during the Champions League match in midweek, Spurs have another emotional moment ahead. But what the club needs most is stability, belief and repeated performances like this one.
On Saturday night, everyone fans, players and manager left the stadium smiling, hopeful that Tottenham might finally be turning a corner.
