Big-spending Tottenham Hotspur made a shocking start to the new Premier League season as they were comfortably beaten by an impressive Brentford side at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Spurs have spent around £237 million this summer, breaking their transfer record twice in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles, when they only secured their top-flight status on the final day.
Four of their summer signings, defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as club-record £100 million signing Sandro Tonali, started the game in west London.
Tottenham fell 2-0 behind inside 33 minutes, with unmarked full-back Keane Lewis-Potter opening the scoring in the 12th minute after being picked out inside the box by Brentford’s club-record signing Mamadou Sangare.
Sangare was influential as Brentford dominated their London neighbours, and the hosts doubled their advantage when Vitaly Janelt tapped in after Antonin Kinsky had saved from Mathias Jensen.
While Brentford continued to look energetic and dangerous, Tottenham failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi responded with a double substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on £85 million signing Mateus Fernandes and Rodrigo Bentancur for Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall.
However, matters quickly went from bad to worse as Michael Kayode made it 3-0 after the ball fell to him following a save from Sangare’s effort. Brentford threatened to add a fourth when Bentancur fouled Kevin Schade and referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty.
Igor Thiago, however, struck the post from the spot after Kinsky had gone the wrong way, with the ball rebounding to safety. It was little consolation for Tottenham, who were thoroughly outplayed by a slick and highly efficient Brentford side that looked full of confidence throughout the encounter.
