Editor’s note: Apologies that this is so late – there was a masthead mix-up largely caused by yours truly!
In the midst of the festive fixture congestion, Thomas Frank returned to his old stomping ground
as Brentford hosted Tottenham Hotspur on a New Year’s Day match. Some may have been confident following Spurs’ 3-0 win in the reverse fixture, but a defensive lineup from Frank consisting of a midfield three of Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, and Archie Gray was never going to provide much in the way of entertainment, let alone goals.
The match that thus proceeded was something barely resembling football. Both sides struggled in the final third, with the only real opportunities coming via set pieces and transition: moments that were rare as neither side were willing to take risks both in and out of possession in the fear that a counter could pull them apart. It was a set piece in fact that looked to have opened the scoring for Brentford, as Kevin Schade knocked the ball into Guglielmo Vicario’s net following a headed-on corner; but the linesman’s flag soon put paid to the momentary celebrations.
That was the closest either side came to scoring. One moment in the second half looked vaguely threatening as Richarlison headed a wonderful Gray cross back across the box only for Brentford to clear, while Gray was at the center of the action once more as he went down under a Schade challenge appealing for a penalty. Initially, it looked like a penalty could be awarded by VAR, but replays showed Schade just got a toe on the ball, while Spurs were lucky to not be punished at the other end of the pitch as Cristian Romero whiffed on a clearance then handled the ball on the ground while the last man.
The match in totality was an absolute bore; the kind of match that those who dislike football would assume is the norm. Unfortunately, for Spurs it largely has been the norm this season, and though Frank attempted to remove some of the safety blanket late on with some substitutions, Spurs were never able to create any sort of fluidity or speed of play to undo a staunch Brentford defense. The match fizzled to a 0-0 draw as the away fans, usually vigorous in their voicings of support, booed Spurs’ efforts.
Reactions
- A match that was somewhat the equivalent of “this meeting could have been an email”. Were all the players hungover?
- I say this in full awareness of the fact that Frank has limited options in terms of his available squad, but what on earth was that midfield? Though his options are limited, he had options. Kudus and Odobert have both spent time at the #10; instead, Frank opted to go full football terrorist playing against a weak side.
- Some of his substitutions were similarly suspect. Odobert was probably the sole bright spark going forward, and when he was pulled off Spurs’ chance creation went from limited to non-existent. He is getting better with each appearance, and is almost a lock now for that left winger spot.
- Conversely, Kudus seems to be almost getting worse with each appearance. He looked exhausted today, but with Brennan Johnson on his way to Palace, who is the option to deputize in that position? I’m no huge fan of Johnson, but how Frank has managed the squad is bizarre.
- Archie Gray is not a good #10. That’s okay – I wouldn’t expect him to be! That said, he was the only one of the midfield three really showing any verticality in his movement and passing. It was sorely needed.
- The boos from the away end and the chants of “Boring Boring Tottenham” were telling. Frank losing the away support really points to the fact his days are numbered.
- I’ve already written more than this performance deserved.
- COYS.
