Spurs remember how to win at home as Xavi Simons solo goal helps sink Brentford

The healing process for Tottenham Hotspur is under way. This was a game that Thomas Frank could not afford to lose and he kept the boos at bay by producing a dominant performance to defeat his old club.

Spurs, victorious at home for the first time in the league since the opening weekend, were comfortable against a mediocre Brentford side. Richarlison opened the scoring and the highlight for Frank was a standout display from Xavi Simons. The £52m attacker made Richarlison’s goal and sealed Spurs’ first win in six games when he scored for the first time since joining in the summer from RB Leipzig.

Spurs did not look like a team who retreat into their shell when playing at home. The football was lighter, crisper, and the positives for Frank piled high. He could reflect on the crowd getting behind his players, which made for a welcome change after the mutiny during last week’s defeat by Fulham, and was entitled to give himself a pat on the back after coming up with a plan that finally gave Simons a way to overcome the physical disadvantages that have so far made him look ill-suited to the cut and thrust of English football.

Given licence to roam from his starting point as a No 10, the Dutchman’s intelligent movement off the ball was a prominent feature for Spurs during a dominant first half. This, though, was not a one-man show. There were five changes from Frank, who has constantly tinkered in an attempt to find the right blend in attack, and the inclusion of the more progressive Archie Gray over João Palhinha in defensive midfield was another plus point for Spurs, ensuring that they were more proactive in possession.

Richarlison celebrates after opening the scoring for Tottenham against Brentford. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

It was tough for Brentford. They have been poor on the road, losing seven of their eight away league games, and never found a flow. Mikel Damsgaard was not allowed to pull the strings in midfield and there were quite a few occasions when Keith Andrews, Frank’s old set-piece coach, was left shaking his head at his side’s inability to cope with Spurs’ urgency.

Frank had Spurs lined up in a formation that veered between 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-3-1. Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison took it in turns to pull to the left flank, Simons buzzed in the pockets and Mohammed Kudus offered menace on the right. However, Brentford almost took an undeserved lead when Nathan Collins played Igor Thiago through on goal. Guglielmo Vicario, booed after his mistake against Fulham, saved at his near post.

That was a big moment. Spurs were ahead with their next attack. Pedro Porro lifted a ball down the right, catching Kristoffer Ajer out of position, and Simons ghosted in before crossing for Richarlison to tap into the empty net.

The goal liberated Spurs. Having a shot on target in a first half for the first time in five games was one thing, but actually scoring with it? This was Spurs in party mode. Giddy, they pushed for more. Kolo Muani went close, Caoimhín Kelleher saving the forward’s header.

Simons was more decisive when his chance arrived in the 43rd minute. He made it himself, pressing high to pick Sepp van den Berg’s pocket. Possession won, he turned, set off towards the area, showed strength to hold off Yehor Yarmolyuk and capped off a wonderful half by arrowing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Two goals to the good, Spurs slowly settled into containment mode in the second half. One moment threatened the collective spirit, Kudus drawing a furious reaction from Djed Spence after a needless bit of showboating almost led to Thiago pulling a goal back. Otherwise, though, it was all sweetness and light for Spurs.