Brentford 2 Tottenham 2
Life without Harry Kane started for Tottenham at the Gtech Community Stadium as they faced Brentford in a London derby. Kick-off was delayed as the home side had issues with no water coming into the stadium which raised sanitation concerns. The Romans managed to control the flow of water with ease over two thousand years ago, but it seems to be an issue in the modern day football stadia still.
Richarlison led the line for Ange Postecoglou’s team and the visitors started positively when a James Maddison free kick was headed home by Cristian Romero. VAR kept the fans waiting before they could celebrate their first goal of the season. The goal scorer came off immediately afterwards due to concussion concerns. Romero was none too happy but at times the manager has to do what he feels is best for the player.
A sloppy challenge by Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min on Mathias Jensen was reviewed by VAR who then asked the referee to go the monitor. When this happens, you know there is only going to be one outcome, his decision reversed. Bryan Mbuemo stroked home the spot kick to draw The Bees level. Thomas Frank’s side grew in confidence and when Rico Henry crossed from the left, Yoane Wissa turned the ball towards goal. New signing Micky van de Ven tried to block the shot but just turned it passed his own keeper.
As the fourth official held up his board to show there would 11 minutes added on at the end of the first half, Tottenham knew they had plenty of time to change the game before the interval. Emerson Royal picked the ball up outside the box and decided to let fly at goal. His low drive beat keeper Mark Flekken to draw the visitors level. Ange Postocoglou no doubt had to change his half time team talk as a result of the defender’s strike. Brentford almost took the lead again before the break but Mbuemo will feel he should have done better with his effort as he missed the target on the half volley.
Credit: @SpursOfficial
Brentford continued to create chances in the second half with the dangerous Rico Henry continuing to cause problems for Tottenham down the left. Janelt’s shot was saved by Vicario in the Spurs’ goal but as the ball came back out to Damsgaard, he struck his shot into the ground, taking all the sting out of it. Richarlison drew a save out of Flekken from a tight angle but the Brazilian should have worked the Brentford keeper more.
The Bees had a couple of penalty claims as they looked to find a winner but neither the referee nor VAR felt they warranted a spot-kick. Vicario was fortunate as he clattered the Brentford player after he had got his shot away but again, we saw more inconsistent decisions from the review system. James Maddison wore the number ten shirt after the departure of Harry Kane, but struggled to make the impact fans were so used to seeing from their talisman. The Postecoglou era started with a draw, his brand of attacking football does seem to leave them open at the back, but Tottenham fans are used to seeing drama in North London and would not have it any other way.
Brentford are missing their own prolific goal-scorer with Ivan Toney banned until January, but the difference between these two sides is that The Bees already have somebody who has stepped into the breach. Bryan Mbuemo has scored goals in pre-season and continued in this first game of the season. For Tottenham, it must be a concern how different a player Richarlison looks for his club than his country. Postecoglou may need to bring in another striker before the transfer window closes.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.