EPL: Spurs Seal Crucial Win as Brentford's Winless Run Continues

Tottenham Hotspur ended their four-match losing streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over Brentford, easing pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou and boosting their Premier League survival hopes.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford, ending a dismal run of four consecutive league losses and easing the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou. The win helped Spurs pull away from the relegation zone, providing a much-needed boost to their season.

Micky van de Ven, who had recently returned to action, was surprisingly absent from the matchday squad, leaving Tottenham with only two senior players available on the bench. Richarlison, who had also recently regained fitness, led the line for Spurs but was unable to connect with an early cross that sailed across the face of goal.

Brentford responded strongly, exerting pressure on the Tottenham defense. A loose pass by Antonin Kinsky created an opportunity for Yoane Wissa, whose header narrowly cleared the bar. The Bees continued to threaten, with Kevin Schade's close-range effort blocked and Wissa's header from Vitaly Janelt's cross looping just off-target.

Despite Brentford's dominance, it was Tottenham who scored against the run of play. Bryan Mbeumo had tested the Spurs defense with a shot, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, catching Brentford off guard and setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

Tottenham Hotspur took the lead in the 29th minute through a fortuitous own goal. Son Heung-min's inswinging corner caused chaos in the Brentford box, and Hakon Valdimarsson, making his first Premier League start, struggled to assert his authority. The ball ultimately found its way into the net via Vitaly Janelt, who inadvertently bundled it past his own goalkeeper.

Spurs get their first Premier League win since 15 December! #BRETOT pic.twitter.com/6d9QZtOW43

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2025

Despite trailing at halftime, Brentford pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes of the first half. However, clear-cut chances remained scarce, and the Bees went into the break with a familiar challenge ahead of them. Thomas Frank's side had led at halftime in just one of their previous 11 league games.

Brentford started the second half brightly, and their persistence nearly paid off when Yoane Wissa's improvised shot from Kevin Schade's flick-on clipped the top of the crossbar. The hosts continued to search for an equalizer, with Djed Spence clearing Fabio Carvalho's goal-bound overhead kick. However, Tottenham sealed the victory in the late stages through substitute Pape Matar Sarr, who slotted home after a surging run.

The win marked a crucial triumph for Tottenham Hotspur, who climbed two spots to 14th in the Premier League table. This victory was only Ange Postecoglou's second league win in 12 matches, easing concerns of a potential relegation battle. Brentford, on the other hand, extended their winless run at the Gtech Community Stadium to five league games, leaving them 11th in the table and facing the prospect of midtable obscurity.