UNITED KINGDOM: Tottenham Hotspur’s first Premier League match without Harry Kane ended in a 2-2 draw against Brentford. New manager Ange Postecoglou guided the team through a rollercoaster debut, with James Maddison stepping into Kane’s shoes and making a significant impact.
Maddison, wearing the number 10 shirt, played a crucial role in midfield and contributed two assists.
Cristian Romero’s goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Maddison’s free-kick, gave Tottenham an early lead. However, a head-on collision forced Romero off the field, a change confirmed by Postecoglou due to concerns about the player’s well-being.
Brentford responded quickly, with Guglielmo Vicario converting a penalty after a foul on Mathias Jensen by Spurs’ new captain, Son Heung-min. Yoane Wissa’s deflected shot in the 36th minute allowed Brentford to take a 2-1 lead.
Tottenham managed to level the score at 2-2 before half-time through Emerson Royal’s goal.
Postecoglou praised Brentford’s performance, acknowledging their resilience and potential. Despite missing key players from the previous season, Brentford displayed strength and determination, making them a formidable opponent at home.
In a quirky turn of events, the match was briefly delayed by seven minutes due to a water supply issue at the Community Stadium.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank humorously noted that it was perhaps the most unusual reason for a Premier League match to be postponed, raising questions about players’ ability to shower afterward.
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