Ange Postecoglou had addressed Tottenham's perceived scoring concerns and outlined how they would be addressed internally. The goals from Dominic Solanke – his first for the club – Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison secured a hard-fought three points, demonstrating resilience after conceding an early goal by Bryan Mbeumo. This display of patience should bolster the fans' confidence in their manager, who was quick to acknowledge their support.
Tottenham looked more cohesive than in their recent Carabao Cup victory at Coventry. Solanke, the club's record signing, scored in the eighth minute, and Johnson added a second with impressive composure. Thomas Frank's injury-hit Brentford, who were in ninth place, arrived in north London with Yoane Wissa sidelined, providing an opportunity for Mbeumo and Fábio Carvalho to test the hosts.
Brentford took the lead in just 22 seconds. Keane Lewis-Potter's cross found Mbeumo, who executed a hooked volley into the top corner. Spurs responded well; Ethan Pinnock's loose pass was intercepted by Maddison, whose shot was parried by Mark Flekken, allowing Solanke to score.
Heung-min Son and Johnson both threatened Brentford's defense. Postecoglou's concerns about profligacy were eased by Johnson's goal in the 27th minute. Son's run forced the Bees' defense to retreat before he passed to Johnson, who fired into the corner from an acute angle.
Spurs' keeper Guglielmo Vicario made errors that almost let Carvalho and Mbeumo score before halftime. Vicario then made a fine save from Mikkel Damsgaard. Brentford's frustration grew in the second half when Vicario appeared to handle the ball outside the penalty area, leading to cautions for Frank and Kristoffer Ajer.
Mbeumo and substitute Kevin Schade were denied by Vicario's saves, while Johnson missed a good chance. In the final minutes, Son set up Maddison, who scored, providing significant relief for Postecoglou and a platform for Tottenham to move forward.
