Tottenham kicked off their season without Harry Kane, securing a lively 2-2 draw against Brentford under Ange Postecoglou’s management. Cristian Romero gave Spurs an early lead with a header, but Brentford responded through Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty and Yoane Wissa to take the lead. Emerson Royal equalized before halftime, resulting in both teams earning a point to start the Premier League campaign.
The departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich overshadowed the lead-up to Postecoglou’s competitive debut as Spurs’ manager. Despite the disruptions, Postecoglou’s attacking approach was evident, but defensive weaknesses were also exposed by Brentford.
The game’s start was delayed due to water issues at the GTech Community Stadium. Spurs coped better despite the emotional aftermath of Kane’s exit. In his absence, Son Heung-min was named captain, with Maddison and Romero as vice-captains. The latter scored the opening goal from a Maddison delivery but was then substituted due to a suspected concussion.
Brentford, missing their key striker Ivan Toney due to suspension, equalized through Mbeumo’s penalty after VAR intervention. Wissa’s shot deflected in to put Brentford ahead, but Emerson’s strike brought Tottenham level before halftime. Brentford could have gone ahead at halftime, but Mbeumo missed a close-range chance.
Tottenham dominated possession in the second half but struggled to capitalize, feeling the absence of Kane. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Liverpool faced off in another Premier League match, continuing their competition for midfield talent in the transfer market. Liverpool’s bid for Moises Caicedo was accepted, but Chelsea is attempting to hijack the deal. Chelsea is also interested in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, a long-term target for Liverpool.