Spurs’ 72-second onslaught at the beginning of the second half turned the tide of a fierce London derby against Brentford, sending Spurs into the Premier League’s top four. The final score was 3-2.
After trading blows with Richarlison and Cristian Romero, Tottenham’s main tormentor Neal Maupay bundled in his fourth goal in four games to give Brentford a well-earned lead at the half. Maupay, ever the devil of the pantomime, celebrated his goal by throwing darts like James Maddison.
The first 45 minutes of the match saw Tottenham constantly exposed by their opponents, but Ange Postecoglou’s double substitution at halftime spurred an incredible comeback. After just four minutes of play, Timo Werner’s cross was converted by substitute Brennan Johnson, and moments after that, Destiny Udogie scored from close range to give Tottenham their second goal.
In the third, Richarlison converted off a blocked shot by Maddison, who was starting for the first time since November. Johnson and Richarlison recaptured the darts celebration.
After Udogie’s poor back pass to him, Ivan Toney made sure Brentford didn’t lose easily. In injury time, Shandon Baptiste also had a volley go over the bar. However, despite losing eight of their previous ten league games, the Bees’ defeat keeps them in 15th place, four points above the relegation zone.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said: ”We started the game well and with good intensity and good tempo. They scored and then we lost our way. We just lost the focus. I was a bit frustrated with our inability to stay disciplined. And it was just too many stops, starts and it kind of plays into their hands. We spent more time talking to the referee than playing the game.
“Second half, for 25, 30 minutes we were outstanding. We scored three great goals, should have had a couple more. We gave a goal away which gives a little impetus to their game. From our perspective, great character shown by the lads to get a win.”
On the scuffles and darts celebrations: “I’m not a fan of it. I don’t like the whole bravado and pushing people around. If they’re that brave about things, my players and their players, get into a UFC cage and I’ll see how brave they are. We’re out there to play football and that’s what I want our guys to focus on. We got sucked in in the first half, second half was much better.”
On Werner: “I thought he was great. First half, we probably didn’t support him enough in that left channel and he was a little bit isolated. But the second half we got some support, we got some better service to him. He’s a quality player. As he gets stronger and fitter and understands our game a little bit better I think he’ll become even more effective. I know there’s goals in him as well and that will come with time.”
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “Except for a 10-minute blackout we did very well. That is frustrating. We always aim to play the perfect game and I think we were very close. First half was almost perfect. Very aggressive in high pressure, and low block. Very good transitions, scored a very good goal, had three or four other opportunities. We were on top. They had the ball more.
“Second half, the first goal is one player around four of our players and the ricochet drops for him. Second goal, we can’t concede on our kick-off. And third was a ricochet dropping. Very pleased with character and way they kept fighting. We scored and in the end close to equalise. We see them change to a back five, I don’t think I’ve seen them do that in the whole season, so they must respect us.”
Tottenham travel to Everton next on Saturday while Brentford host high-flying Man City on Monday.
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