Tottenham climbed into the Premier League’s (PL) top six after a routine 2-0 win over Brentford. Victory in the first-ever PL meeting between the sides means Spurs haven’t lost to the ‘Bees’ in any competition since 1948.
Antonio Conte’s men kicked-off looking to end their terrible run in London derbies, having been beaten in each of the last five. Despite that, Spurs were on the front foot straight away as the visitors looked content to surrender possession in the early going. Harry Kane has been desperately short of goals, but passed up a good opportunity to shoot by slotting in Lucas Moura, whose effort was well stopped by Álvaro Fernández.
The home crowd didn’t have to wait much longer for the opening goal to arrive in fortuitous circumstances. Son Heung-min’s corner was met by Pontus Jansson, but his header cannoned off Sergi Canos and into the back of the net. While the goal came through a piece of bad luck, the ‘Bees’ offered very little attacking threat going the other way and had plenty of work to do after the break.
Thomas Frank’s men were a rejuvenated outfit following HT and gained a foothold in the contest, but were unable to test Hugo Lloris’ resolve. Spurs looked content to sit back and strike on the counter attack and they did so to devastating effect. Kane released Sergio Reguilón into space on the left, with the Spaniard squaring to Son who had an empty net to roll the ball into and double the lead.
Brentford were unable to stage a late fightback meaning their recent struggles continue – they’ve now won just one of their last six Premier League games. Despite an embarrassing loss to NS Mura, Spurs have great affection for Thursday fixtures in league action, as they’re now unbeaten in 15 of their last 18 PL fixtures that have fallen on that day.