Big-spending Tottenham made a shocking start to the new Premier League season as they were ripped apart by impressive Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Spurs have spent in the region of £237m this summer, twice breaking their transfer record, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles, when they had to wait until the final day to confirm their top-flight place.
Four of their summer signings – defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as club record £100m signing Sandro Tonali – all started in west London.
Yet Spurs were 2-0 down inside 33 minutes, 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 summer recruit Mamadou Sangare.
Sangare impressed as Brentford completely dominated their London neighbours and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead through Vitaly Janelt’s tap-in after Antonin Kinsky had kept out Mathias Jensen.
While Brentford were full of energy and threat, Spurs failed to register an attempt on target in the first half.
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi made a double change at the start of second half, sending on £85m signing Mateus Fernandes and Rodrigo Bentancur for Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall.
But it went from bad to worse, Michael Kayode adding the third when the ball fell into his path after midfielder Sangare’s shot was saved.
It threatened to get even uglier for De Zerbi’s side after Bentancur fouled Kevin Schade and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot.
However, Igor Thiago’s penalty hit the post and rebounded to safety after Kinsky had gone the wrong way.
It was little consolation for Spurs, who were well beaten by a slick and highly efficient Brentford team brimming with confidence.
