Three things we learned Tottenham win: Simons shines and Gray solves midfield issue

A much-needed sense of relief swept across north London as Tottenham recorded only their second home league win of the season, beating Brentford 2–0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons eased the mounting pressure on Thomas Frank and offered fresh optimism heading into a crucial stretch of fixtures.

Frank’s side have struggled to convince their home crowd in recent months, but this performance — high-energy, purposeful and bold — delivered the kind of spark supporters have been desperate to see. From Simons’ long-awaited breakout display to Archie Gray’s composed midfield showing, the win provided plenty of talking points.

Here are the Three things we learned Tottenham win against Brentford.

Xavi Simons had waited over a month for another starting opportunity, and he made sure it counted. Before kick-off, the main debate centred on whether he could secure a place on the left wing, but Frank deployed him on the right — a decision that paid off instantly.

Simons raced onto Pedro Porro’s clipped pass and squared for Richarlison to tap home the opener. His celebration, a defiant gesture to the home fans who booed the side a week earlier, showed both frustration and hunger. Tottenham have lacked invention this season, but Simons brought precisely that, drifting between channels, carrying aggressively, and linking play with an intensity that lifted the entire team.

His second contribution was even more impressive. Moments before half-time, he intercepted a loose pass inside his own half, drove the length of the pitch and finished coolly beyond Caoimhin Kelleher — a goal worthy of a player with Champions League pedigree. It was the kind of performance that announces a new season arc, and Tottenham will hope it’s the start of Simons’ emergence as a regular match-winner.

Football can rewrite moods in an instant. Seven days ago Spurs walked off the pitch to loud boos after losing to Fulham; against Brentford, they left to applause and gratitude.

It didn’t start comfortably. Brentford dealt with early crosses and threatened in transition, but goals from Richarlison and Simons swung the momentum decisively. From then, Spurs controlled tempo and territory, limiting Brentford to just one shot on target — no small feat considering Tottenham’s defensive frailties at home this season.

Frank’s tense exchanges with supporters earlier in the week had set the stage for a potentially hostile atmosphere. Instead, this became a restorative afternoon. Tottenham supporters saw energy, structure and intent — traits that had been missing. Whether this proves a turning point in the relationship between manager and fanbase remains to be seen, but it was undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Frank admitted in his pre-match press conference that he didn’t know his best XI. But if there was one clear revelation from this match, it was Archie Gray’s standout performance at the heart of midfield.

The 19-year-old has been used everywhere this season — full-back, wide midfielder, and occasionally deeper roles — but his natural position showed through here. Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur formed a smooth, balanced partnership, blending physicality with composure. Brentford tried to test him early with direct duels and aggressive presses, but he grew into the match with each minute.

This was a mature display: assured touches in tight spaces, well-timed tackles and a constant willingness to recycle possession intelligently. Gray embodied the work rate Spurs have lacked at home and provided a structural anchor that allowed Simons, Richarlison and Son to attack with freedom.

For a manager still searching for clarity, Gray may have delivered a resounding audition.

Having followed Spurs throughout a difficult run, this performance felt different. Not spectacular, but stable. Spurs defended with a collective mindset for the first time in weeks, and in our view, the shift came from the midfield — Gray’s positioning, Bentancur’s leadership, and Simons’ energy created the balance Frank has been chasing.

Although some may argue Brentford were poor, it’s worth questioning whether Spurs made them look that way. Tottenham finally protected space, pressed intelligently and avoided the careless lapses that cost them in recent home matches. The reaction from the crowd wasn’t just relief — it was recognition.

Tottenham host Slavia Prague on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League fixture before returning to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest next Sunday. If Frank builds on this structure, Spurs’ season may finally gather upward momentum.

👉 Tottenham fans — was this a real turning point, or do you need to see more before believing in Frank’s project?