1 week ago
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Thomas Frank got a warm reception from Brentford’s fans ahead of his return to the west London club – but a smattering of booing from his own side’s fans at the end of a dreary goalless draw.
It was one of those nights when there was very little for either side to cheer about, apart from a hard-won point. There was barely a shot on target from either side or any meaningful action to get the pulse racing on a freezing night.
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The fact that over an hour had passed before either goalkeeper was required to make a save says it all about a match that was approached by Frank and his successor at Brentford Keith Andrews in the same way – extreme caution. It was low risk, low reward, especially for those fans who braved the winter chill.
Tottenham’s supporters had to entertain themselves, and went through their back catalogue of songs celebrating players of the past decade or so, when Spurs were genuinely exciting. Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele and even Eric Dier had their names sung out loud, while the present day players went unserenaded. And that is no surprise given this is the lowest quality squad Spurs have had in over 20 years, with barely a crowd-pleaser or game-changer in their ranks.
Brennan Johnson was the only player of recent years to be celebrated in song, and he looks set to join Crystal Palace in the next day or two.
Tottenham’s board have vowed to support Frank with signings in this transfer window, but they need to get going because there is little quality among their ranks right now. Archie Gray was busy and had a header blocked, Richarlison had a tame shot saved in stoppage time, and that was about it from Spurs.
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Brentford did not offer much more, and the only real save of note came in the 63rd minute when Kristoffer Ajer had a header turned away by Guglielmo Vicario.
Both sides got a point and are still firmly in mid-table, but this was not a game that will live long in the memory.
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