As I walked the High Road from Seven Sisters station to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, I handed a couple of group of Spurs followers anticipating a goalless draw in opposition to Brentford.
In reality, one cluster of supporters (together with a chap carrying a creatively named “Van de Ben” shirt) were critically debating whether or not they would take such a scoreline earlier than a ball was kicked.
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Well, Ben. And your shirt. You should not have frightened.
Spurs were at it. Peppering the Brentford purpose with half possibilities, earlier than Xavi Simons exploded into life.
He sprung to help Richarlison for the opener, earlier than netting his first Premier League purpose with a luxurious solo run from his personal half.
And whereas the Dutchman took the headlines, I am unable to assist however really feel Tottenham’s success stemmed from a returning Micky Van de Ven.
He injected a calmness to the backline. A backline that has obtained heavy criticism just lately. And alongside centre again associate Cristian Romero, they shut out 11 purpose man, Igor Thiago.
A uncommon house win for Spurs was constructed from stable foundations at the again. Thomas Frank will probably be hoping his aspect can construct on that over the busy Christmas interval.