“Hurting” Spurs Find Defensive Strength Before Defining Week

Tottenham End Losing Streak with Gritty 2-0 Win Over Brentford

After a four-game Premier League losing streak, Tottenham Hotspur delivered a gritty and much-needed 2-0 victory over Brentford, showcasing rare defensive solidity in what could be a season-defining week.

Under immense pressure, Ange Postecoglou expressed his delight at the performance, hailing the spirit and character of his squad.

“We defended as well as we have all season and still had the quality to hurt them the other way. It was an outstanding effort by the players,” said Postecoglou.

This win not only halted Tottenham’s losing run but also gave them a confidence boost ahead of a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

Defensive Resilience in a Tough Environment

Brentford, who have scored the most home goals of any Premier League team this season, were left frustrated by Tottenham’s organized and determined backline.

“It’s a difficult place to come and win, and even harder to keep them out,” Postecoglou admitted.

With nine key players missing, Spurs held their first league clean sheet of 2025, a major improvement for a team often criticized for defensive frailties.

Key Defensive Contributions & New Signing Kevin Danso

Archie Gray’s Impact

18-year-old Archie Gray, playing as an emergency center-back, earned praise for his performance. Despite being booed by Brentford fans, who were unhappy he chose Spurs over them in the summer, Gray stood firm.

“The job Archie Gray is doing is remarkable,” said Postecoglou. “Eighteen years old, never played center-back before, and he’s playing in Europe and every week in the league. We are very fortunate to have him.”

Gray himself acknowledged Spurs’ improved defensive focus:

“At times this season, we lost concentration for five minutes, and it cost us. But once that first goal went in, we knew we couldn’t make the same mistakes.”

Djed Spence Returns & New Signing Kevin Danso Arrives

Djed Spence played a crucial role on his return, strengthening Spurs’ right flank.
Kevin Danso (26, Austria international) joined on loan from Lens with a commitment to buy in the summer, bolstering Spurs’ defensive depth.

How Spurs Secured the Win

Tottenham’s winning goals came in fortuitous yet clinical fashion:

1-0 (Vitaly Janelt Own Goal, 15′) – Son Heung-min’s inswinging corner deflected off Janelt’s back and into the net.
2-0 (Pape Matar Sarr, 85′) – Son’s precise through ball found Sarr, who flicked it into the net to seal the win.

Brentford had 67% possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Tottenham defense, a rare sight this season.

“Tottenham Have Shown They Can Defend”

Former Spurs defender Stephen Kelly, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, emphasized the significance of this win:

“Brentford will be bitterly disappointed, but Tottenham have been resilient, not gung-ho, and shown they can defend. This is exactly what Ange Postecoglou needed.”

Brentford manager Thomas Frank also acknowledged Spurs’ defensive discipline:

“The way they defended their box was some of the best I’ve seen all season.”

Spurs Fans Find Humor in Survival Battle

Tottenham’s win lifted them from 16th to 14th place, prompting ironic chants of:

“We are staying up!”

While Spurs were never truly at risk of relegation, their poor form had raised serious concerns.

Postecoglou admitted the frustration within the club:

“The players are hurting. It’s not where we want to be. But they are giving everything, and I’m super pleased they could share this with the fans.”

A Crucial Week Ahead: Can Spurs Reach Wembley?

Tottenham’s season is still very much alive, and they are two games away from a potential first trophy since 2008.

Next Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham (Carabao Cup Semi-Final, Second Leg)
Spurs lead 1-0 after the first leg

If Tottenham can replicate their defensive discipline at Anfield, they could book their spot at Wembley for the final.

Can Spurs build on this defensive improvement and turn their season around?