Xavi Simmons scored his first goal for Tottenham and Thomas Frank secured a much-needed 2-0 win at home to his former club Brentford.
It was Spurs’ first home win since the start of the Premier League, ending a five-game winless run in all competitions, and Frank, who left the club in the summer, joined Tottenham after six-and-a-half years in charge of the Bees, completing a reunion with a victory over Brentford.
Making his first start in almost a month, Simmons was a key player in the win for his £51 million signing, scoring a goal and assisting, not only relieving the pressure on Franck but also energizing the home supporters who enjoyed a flurry of shots that should have won Spurs more.
Spurs had the first of seven shots on target, the most in a league game this season, with Richarlison scoring in the 25th minute when Simmons crossed from the front.
Simmons then coolly headed home just before half-time, opening his account for Spurs with a stunning solo run from the half-time line in his 19th appearance.
Sky Sports News’ Tim Sherwood described Brentford’s defending on Symonds’ goal as “terrible” as the visitors struggled in north London, managing just one shot on target.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews, who replaced Frank as set-piece coach under the Dane, will need to correct their dismal away form after suffering their seventh defeat in eight away league games this season.
But Frank will be hoping that victory, Spurs’ fourth win in their last 22 home league games, is the start of a good run at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which sees his side move to eighth place, three points off the top four.
Frank ‘very happy’ with Simmons
Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simmons celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal of the match during a Premier League match
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank told Sky Sports about Simmons’ display:
“I’m very happy for him. He works hard on the practice field and in the gym and is a 24/7 professional.
“He’s been very decisive and it’s a combination of him growing up and the team becoming more in sync around him. Everything was on the same page today.”
On the win: “I’m very happy to see a more complete performance today after some tough matches. I think offensively we look very threatening going forward.”
“I liked his dynamics and his wide runs, I liked his pace when he moved forward, I liked his aggressiveness in his duels and in his presses. That’s a big thing.”
“We created a lot of dangerous situations and chances, and on the other hand, we defended very well, which is to be expected. We only allowed four shots, so it was really the perfect performance that we were looking for.”
“Today was a very good step and we need to continue to build on it.”
ANDREWS: We weren’t at the level we’ve shown before.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews told Sky Sports:
“It was a really disappointing result. To be honest, it was a disappointing performance in the first half. We weren’t at the level we showed this season.”
“In this league, the quality of the opponents is so high that if you’re not good enough you can be punished, and that’s exactly what happened to us in the first half.
“We went to the Emirates and played against Arsenal and played consistently well. I think the first half was the first time since the start of the season that I felt we weren’t good enough.”
“Away from home, some of the performances were there but the results weren’t there and obviously today we suffered another defeat.
“Some of our away performances were very good, but today’s performance was simply not good enough. We need to focus on fixing that.”
Analysis: Simmons finally succeeds in liftoff
Tottenham’s Xavi Simmons celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Brentford
It took a long time, but Simmons finally got the lift off with the Spurs.
Symonds, who scored Tottenham’s first goal in the Player of the Match award, showed why the club paid £51 million to sign him in the summer.
The Dutch international shined by playing as a No. 10 instead of his original position as a left winger when he joined the club.
The issue meant his life in north London got off to a rocky start, with some questioning his arrival. But the only question now being asked is why has he started on the bench in Tottenham’s last four games?
Simmons, making his first start since November 8, started against Brentford and recorded the most shots (four) and shots on target (two) in that game.
His assist for Richarlison’s opener, followed by a stunning solo goal, will give the 22-year-old a huge boost of confidence that he lacked.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank was asked in his post-match press conference whether it was a breakthrough performance for Simmons, and he said: “Absolutely. I’m very happy for him. He’s worked very hard. He’s a top professional.”
“He’s very determined. He really wanted that in every aspect of his game, but it’s just a little bit of an adjustment.”
It could also be a breakthrough show for Frank. His team have recorded the second-highest total xG (2.15) and most shots on target (7) in a Premier League game this season.
For now, the frustration and pressure surrounding Frank has eased as Spurs fans have shown a positive performance at home, led by Simmons.
Opta trivia: Spurs keep Brentford quiet
Richarlison celebrates his goal against Brentford
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham have faced the lowest total xG (0.29) with four shots and one shot on target in a Premier League game this season. Tottenham recorded their fourth home Premier League win of 2025 and first since the opening day of the season against Burnley, ending a six-game home winless streak (D2 L4). Only Wolves (1) and Brentford (3) have picked up fewer points away from home in the Premier League this season, but their seven defeats are tied with Burnley for the most. This is the ninth time in Europe’s top five leagues that Tottenham’s Xavi Simmons has scored and assisted in the same game. Throughout 2025, Tottenham’s Richarlison has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League starts, with his 10 goals in all competitions this year equaling 2019’s record.
