Tottenham Hotspur's significant summer transfer spending did not prevent a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brentford on the opening day of the season. Goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt, and Michael Kayode secured the victory for Brentford.
Brentford's new £41m midfielder, Mamadou Sangare, made an immediate impact, setting up the first goal after just 12 minutes. Sangare played a one-two, burst to the byline, and cut the ball back for Lewis-Potter to convert.
Despite a reported summer outlay expected to top £300m with deals for Savinho and Omar Marmoush, Tottenham's new-look side showed familiar weaknesses. Archie Gray became the club's youngest captain since Steve Perryman in the 1970s, playing alongside three new defensive signings: Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Marcos Senesi.
The pressure from Brentford led to their second goal in the 33rd minute when Vitaly Janelt scored from a rebound after Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky parried Mathias Jensen’s shot. The third goal came after half-time, with Michael Kayode lashing in a loose ball following a corner.