BRENTFORD 0-0 TOTTENHAM: Thomas Frank was given a warm reception from the fans of his former club, but the supporters of his current team are less impressed
Thomas Frank got a brilliant reception on his first return to Brentford – but is still struggling to win over the Tottenham fans.
Spurs boss Frank had seven great years at Brentford as he took them on a journey to the Premier League and into their wonderful Gtech Community Stadium.
Understandably, Frank kept it low key before kick-off when he walked out onto the pitch to receive warm applause from the home fans for everything he had done for Brentford.
But seven months into his reign at Spurs, Frank has yet to win the hearts and minds of their supporters with the away end chanting: “Boring, boring Tottenham” towards the end of a dire game.
It has become such an issue because Frank just does not feel the right fit for a club who have always been about style, entertainment and drama.
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Frank was all about set-pieces, moments and percentages at Brentford which is just not enough for the Tottenham faithful. They want and expect more.
This was pretty turgid and dull throughout. For those who had gone on a dry January, then it might just have tested their resolve. It was a complete turn-off. In fact, the first half was so dull and boring, the travelling Tottenham fans went through a whole repertoire about former players.
They were singing about the likes of Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Danny Rose, Ledley King, Eric Dier and even Aaron Lennon. How they could do even one of those players now. It was a game sorely lacking in quality, inspiration and skill.
Brentford are a difficult side to play against. They are well organised, very physical and do hit a long of balls. But it is still up to Tottenham to break them down and impose their game. Incredibly, Tottenham have had fewer shots, 21 in total, than any other side in the Premier League in the first half of games this season.
Tottenham did not manage their solitary effort this time until the 32nd minute when Richarlison’s chipped cross reached Archie Gray whose header was blocked brilliantly by Brentford defender Nathan Collins.
Brentford’s best first half effort came when Jordan Henderson put over an inviting cross but Igor Thiago’s header took the ball away from Keane Lewis-Potter who was running in at the back post.
But Brentford were the better team after half time as Lewis-Potter scuffed a big chance and then Vitaly Janelt headed another chance straight at Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The best bit about the whole game was the final whistle.
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