Tottenham is experiencing a record transfer window, with spending potentially reaching 500 million USD for player acquisitions. The London club has already invested a total of 312,9 million USD in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Additionally, they secured Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on free transfers. The club is also negotiating with Man City for a double deal to acquire Savinho and Omar Marmoush, a move that could cost approximately 190,9 million USD.

Sandro Tonali (top) challenges Kristoffer Ajer during Tottenham's 0-3 loss to Brentford in the first round of the Premier League at Gtech Community Stadium, London, England on 22/8. Photo: AP

Traveling to Gtech Community Stadium on 22/8, coach Roberto De Zerbi started four new signings: Van Hecke, Senesi, and Robertson in defense, and Tonali in midfield. However, these players showed no signs of cohesion, contributing to Tottenham's disappointing performance.

Brentford dominated the match, attempting 26 shots with 8 on target, compared to Tottenham's 9 shots with 4 on target. While Brentford is known for capitalizing on set pieces, this game demonstrated their effectiveness from open play. In the 12th minute, Mamadou Sangare played a one-two with Igor Thiago, breaking through Tottenham's defense before crossing from the right wing for Keane Lewis-Potter to tap in the opening goal.

In the 33rd minute, the hosts capitalized on more defensive errors from Tottenham to double their lead. Mathias Jensen dispossessed Lucas Bergvall outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot that goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky could not hold. Vitaly Janelt easily pounced on the rebound, slotting it into an empty net.

Michael Kayode (center) celebrates the goal that sealed the 3-0 victory. Photo: AFP

Bergvall and Conor Gallagher were substituted immediately after halftime. However, Brentford quickly extinguished any hopes of a Tottenham comeback with a goal from a corner kick. Nathan Collins headed the ball across the far post for Sangare to volley, which Kinsky failed to hold, allowing Kayode Michael Kayode to smash in the rebound, sealing a 3-0 victory. Brentford could have won by a larger margin if they had been more clinical, including Thiago hitting the post from a penalty in the 55th minute.

Only when Brentford led by three goals in the second half did Tottenham create a significant chance. De Zerbi hopes that signing Omar Marmoush and Savinho from Man City will sharpen the attack. However, the disappointing performance of Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Mikey Moore was not the only issue.

Since the start of the 2024-2025 season, Tottenham has lost 40 Premier League matches, equaling the total losses of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Man City combined. Only Wolves (44) have suffered more defeats than Tottenham in the league during the same period.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi reacts during the match. Photo: AP

This match should have marked the beginning of a promising new era, but there were no signs of change for Tottenham. The Lilywhites displayed no clear attacking patterns, were tentative in possession, and chaotic in defense. The team failed to execute basic plays and crumbled under Brentford's relentless pressure. Brentford, a team combining strength, pace, and skill, showed significant progress in their second season under Keith Andrews.

Old weaknesses were evident in Tottenham's timid performance, both with and without the ball. After a summer of heavy spending, De Zerbi has reason to worry as Tottenham enters the season resembling a relegation candidate rather than a contender for European qualification.

By Hong Duy