Three things we learned from Tottenham’s nightmare 3-0 defeat to Brentford

Tottenham's hopes of beginning a new era under Roberto De Zerbi with a statement performance quickly disappeared as Brentford handed Spurs a comprehensive 3-0 defeat.

After significant investment and major changes during the summer, this was supposed to provide the first glimpse of a Tottenham side ready to leave last season's problems behind.

Instead, some very familiar weaknesses returned.

Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt put Brentford 2-0 ahead inside 33 minutes before Michael Kayode added a third shortly after half-time.

Igor Thiago even had the opportunity to make it four from the penalty spot as Brentford dominated a Tottenham side that struggled for answers throughout the evening.

Here are three things we learned from Spurs' nightmare opening weekend.

Four players made their competitive Tottenham debuts, but the changes in personnel did little to prevent some of last season's biggest problems resurfacing.

Brentford played with greater intensity from the opening stages and Tottenham struggled to respond.

More concerning for De Zerbi was the lack of personality once his side fell behind.

Spurs needed players to take responsibility and change the momentum of the match. Instead, Brentford continued to dictate proceedings while Tottenham appeared increasingly short of ideas.

Mateus Fernandes provided some encouragement after coming off the bench in the second half. He was willing to demand possession and attempt to drag Spurs forward, but there was only so much one player could do.

After the major summer rebuild, Tottenham would have hoped greater responsibility would be shared throughout the team.

There was little evidence of that against Brentford.

It leaves De Zerbi facing an immediate challenge. Tottenham have changed the manager and invested heavily in the squad, but those additions must now produce a genuine change in mentality on the pitch.

The midfield contest was expected to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the game.

It ended with Brentford's club-record signing Mamadou Sangare producing an outstanding performance while Tottenham's £100million arrival Sandro Tonali struggled to impose himself.

Sangare arrived from Lens for £41m after playing an important role in their Ligue 1 title challenge last season, and his Premier League introduction could hardly have been more impressive.

His energy caused Spurs constant problems.

Sangare also played a major role in the opening goal, combining neatly before breaking forward and cutting the ball back for Lewis-Potter.

Tonali attempted to inject tempo into Tottenham's possession, but Spurs were unable to establish the control they wanted.

Out of possession, the Italian also struggled to contain Sangare.

It became symbolic of the wider contest. Tottenham had spent considerably more on their midfield rebuild, but Brentford were stronger, quicker and more aggressive where it mattered.

Sangare ultimately looked like the midfielder capable of taking control of the occasion.

There was at least one significant individual milestone for Tottenham.

At 20 years and 163 days, Archie Gray became the youngest Spurs player to captain the club in a competitive match, breaking Steve Perryman's record.

It should have been an evening to remember for the youngster.

Unfortunately, the performance around him ensured it became memorable for very different reasons.

Gray was certainly not solely responsible for Tottenham's problems, but he was unable to prevent his side from being overwhelmed as Brentford took control.

There is also a wider question surrounding the responsibility being placed on him.

De Zerbi clearly has enormous faith in Gray's character and leadership qualities, and being trusted with the captaincy at only 20 is an impressive achievement.

However, Tottenham's reliance on such a young player to provide leadership could also highlight an issue De Zerbi still needs to address within his squad.

Gray has already demonstrated considerable maturity during his young career, but Spurs need experienced players around him to accept responsibility when matches begin moving against them.

De Zerbi now has an immediate job to ensure this performance does not set the tone for Tottenham's season.

The transfer window remains open and Spurs are still working on further additions, but the Brentford defeat demonstrated that their problems cannot simply be solved by spending more money.

De Zerbi needs greater cohesion from his new-look team and, crucially, more players willing to take responsibility when matches turn against them.

For Gray, the result should not overshadow a significant personal achievement, while Tonali and Tottenham's other major summer arrivals will have opportunities to produce a much stronger response.

What concerned you most about Tottenham’s performance against Brentford: the midfield, the lack of leadership or the return of last season’s problems?