Brentford v Tottenham | Premier League | Match Highlights

Janelt inadvertently turned Son Heung-min’s corner into his own net on 29 minutes before substitute Pape Matar Sarr added Spurs’ second goal late on to secure a crucial victory for the North London side. Tottenham's composed and resolute performance ensured that Brentford, despite their persistent efforts, left the pitch empty-handed.

An injury to goalkeeper Mark Flekken meant that Hákon Valdimarsson was included in a Premier League starting XI for the first time, a momentous occasion for the young Icelandic shot-stopper. Thomas Frank had to adjust his defense accordingly, with Kristoffer Ajer replacing Mads Roerslev at right-back, a tactical tweak intended to bolster Brentford's defensive stability while maintaining their attacking width.

The two sides traded chances during the opening stages, with Brentford looking lively and Spurs showcasing their attacking intent. Mikkel Damsgaard had an early shot blocked by the ever-alert Archie Gray, highlighting Tottenham's defensive awareness. At the other end, Dejan Kulusevski whipped in a tantalizing cross-shot that narrowly evaded Richarlison, who was at full stretch inside the six-yard box. The game had started at a frenetic pace, with both teams demonstrating their willingness to attack.

Brentford came close to breaking the deadlock when Spurs keeper Antonín Kinský surrendered possession under pressure. Bryan Mbeumo quickly capitalized, darting to the byline before lifting an inviting cross into the area. Yoane Wissa met it with a powerful header, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar, a let-off for Spurs. Gray was once again well-placed to deny Brentford, this time blocking Kevin Schade’s drilled shot from reaching Kinský, while at the other end, Richarlison and Kulusevski saw their shots blocked following a dangerous low delivery from Djed Spence.

Brentford’s attacking persistence nearly paid off midway through the first half when Wissa rose above Pedro Porro to meet Janelt’s teasing cross, but his header looped just over the bar. Mbeumo, determined to make an impact, tested Kinský moments later after drifting past Spence on the right and curling a shot towards goal. Despite the Bees' pressure, it was Tottenham who took the lead in the 29th minute in dramatic fashion.

Yves Bissouma unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off Janelt and went out for a corner, setting the stage for a chaotic moment inside the Brentford box. Son Heung-min delivered an in-swinging corner from the left, which struck Janelt’s back in a crowded six-yard box before trickling agonizingly over the line. It was a cruel stroke of misfortune for Brentford, who had looked the more threatening side up until that point. Nevertheless, the home side immediately went in search of an equalizer.

Thomas Frank’s men responded with renewed urgency. The industrious Ajer teed up Christian Nørgaard in the center of the box, but Kinský was equal to the Dane’s first-time strike, producing a crucial save to preserve Spurs’ lead. Brentford ended the first half with a flurry of corners, keeping the pressure firmly on Tottenham. Damsgaard’s final delivery dropped kindly for Mbeumo on the edge of the area, and the forward struck a well-timed half-volley that seemed destined to test Kinský. However, Richarlison bravely put his body on the line, taking the full force of the shot square in the face to ensure Spurs went into the break with their lead intact.

Brentford began the second half with purpose, eager to overturn their deficit. With Wissa bearing down on goal, Kinský produced a crucial intervention, getting a vital hand on Nørgaard’s sublime first-time cross from the right to divert it away from danger. The home side continued to press, and moments later, Damsgaard swung in a wicked delivery from the left. Schade managed to get the faintest of touches, diverting the ball into Wissa’s path, but his effort rattled the crossbar, inches away from drawing Brentford level.

Despite Brentford's relentless pursuit of an equalizer, Spurs remained a constant threat on the counterattack. Kulusevski, played through by Rodrigo Bentancur, unleashed a powerful shot that struck the side netting, a reminder of Tottenham’s attacking prowess. The Swedish winger then turned provider, setting up substitute Lucas Bergvall on the edge of the Brentford box. The debutant aimed for the bottom corner but dragged his shot narrowly wide of Valdimarsson’s left post, much to the relief of the home supporters.

Thomas Frank sought to inject fresh energy into his side, bringing on new signing Michael Kayode for Ajer in the final 15 minutes. Kayode made an instant impact, winning his side a corner, which Mbeumo delivered dangerously into the area, only for a Spurs defender to rise highest and clear the danger. The debutant then launched a long throw into the box, which Sepp van den Berg met with a tame header straight into the grateful hands of Kinský. Brentford continued to press, but time was running out.

As the clock ticked towards the final moments, Spurs delivered the decisive blow. In the 87th minute, just after substitute Fábio Carvalho had gone close with an audacious overhead kick, Tottenham struck their second goal, ending any hopes of a Brentford comeback. Pape Matar Sarr, who had been an influential presence in midfield since coming on, combined beautifully with Son in a slick one-two exchange. The Senegalese midfielder advanced into the box with composure before poking the ball beyond the onrushing Valdimarsson, securing all three points for the visitors.

The final whistle confirmed a significant victory for Spurs, who demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on key moments. Brentford, despite their valiant efforts, were left ruing missed opportunities and the unfortunate own goal that had put them on the back foot. Tottenham’s resilience and clinical finishing ultimately proved the difference, as they continued their push for a European place.

For Brentford, the defeat was a tough pill to swallow. They had created enough chances to warrant a better result but were left frustrated by their inability to convert their dominance into goals. Thomas Frank will no doubt take positives from his side’s attacking display, but improvements will be needed to turn performances into points as they look to climb the table.

On the other hand, Tottenham's ability to grind out results in difficult away fixtures will be encouraging for manager Ange Postecoglou. The performances of Son, Kulusevski, and Sarr showcased the depth and dynamism within the squad, reinforcing their ambitions for a strong finish to the season. As the campaign progresses, Spurs will be looking to build on this result and maintain their momentum in their pursuit of a top-four finish.