A Vitaly Janelt own goal and Pape Matar Sarr’s late strike consigned Brentford to a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
Janelt inadvertently turned Son Heung-min’s corner into his own net on 29 minutes before substitute Sarr added Spurs’ second goal late on.
An injury to goalkeeper Mark Flekken meant that Hákon Valdimarsson was included in a Premier League starting XI for the first time. Kristoffer Ajer replaced Mads Roerslev at right-back.
The two sides traded chances during the opening stages: Mikkel Damsgaard had a shot blocked by Archie Gray, before Dejan Kulusevski’s cross-shot narrowly evaded Richarlison at full stretch inside the six-yard box.
After Spurs keeper Antonín Kinský surrendered possession, Bryan Mbeumo darted to the byline and lifted a cross into the area, which Yoane Wissa headed narrowly over the crossbar.
Gray was again well placed to prevent Kevin Schade’s drilled effort from reaching Kinský, while Richarlison and Kulusevki both had shots blocked at the other end after Djed Spence had delivered low from the left.
Wissa went close midway through the half, beating Porro to Janelt’s teasing cross and heading over the bar.
Mbeumo was next to try his luck, drifting past Spence on the right and curling the ball straight at Kinský.
Despite the Bees’ pressure, it was Tottenham who took the lead on 29 minutes.
Yves Bissouma’s powerful effort struck Janelt and bounced out for a corner. Son delivered an in-swinger from the left which struck Janelt’s back in a crowded six-yard box and the ball rolled across the line.
Brentford immediately went in search of an equaliser. The industrious Ajer teed up Nørgaard in the centre of the box, but Kinský was equal to the Dane’s first-time strike which he did well to keep on target.
Thomas Frank’s side ended the first half with a series of corners. Damsgaard’s final delivery dropped kindly for Mbeumo on the edge of the area, and the forward’s half volley – which looked destined to test Kinský – was bravely blocked by Richarlison who took the ball square in the face.
The Bees began the second half with purpose. With Wissa bearing down, Kinský got a crucial hand on Nørgaard’s sublime first-time cross from the right.
Damsgaard’s delivery from the opposite side was glanced on by Schade and Wissa diverted the ball onto the crossbar.
But Tottenham still posed a threat. Kulusevski, played through by Rodrigo Bentancur, struck the side netting. Kulusevski then turned provider, passing to substitute Lucas Bergvall on the edge of Brentford’s box who dragged narrowly wide of Valdimarsson’s left post.
New signing Michael Kayode replaced Ajer as Frank looked to inject some fresh impetus during the final 15 minutes.
The debutant immediately won his side a corner, which was delivered by Mbeumo and headed away by a Spurs defender. Kayode then launched in a throw from the right which was headed tamely by Sepp van den Berg straight at Kinský.
On 87 minutes, just moments after substitute Fábio Carvalho had gone close with an overhead kick, Spurs struck the killer blow. Pape Matar Sarr exchanged passes with Son, advanced into the box and poked beyond the on-rushing Valdimarsson to double the visitors' advantage.
Brentford: Valdimarsson; Ajer (Kayode 76), Collins, van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Nørgaard (Carvalho 84), Janelt (Jensen 65), Damsgaard; Schade, Wissa, Mbeumo
Subs not used: Eyestone, Pinnock, Mee, Yarmoliuk, Konak, Maghoma
Tottenham Hotspur: Kinský; Porro, Gray, Davies, Spence; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Bissouma (Sarr 67); Moore (Bergvall HT), Richarlison (Scarlett 78), Son
Subs not used: Austin, Reguilón, Hardy, Cassanova, Olusesi, Ajayi
Attendance: 17,154
Frank: A missed opportunity for three points
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank was frustrated by his side's inability to secure a win against Tottenham on Sunday.
“It feels like we missed an opportunity to get three points,” said the Bees boss.
“In many ways, it was a good performance, without it being a through-the-roof performance - we created so many opportunities and good situations without having enough cutting edge to create five or six 100 per cent chances.
“We created more than enough to score at least one goal, and then it would have been a different game - that’s frustrating because it’s such small things that decide a match.
“For example, their first goal… we hadn’t conceded from a corner all season. It happens, it is what it is, we had plenty of time to get back into the game but we couldn’t do that.”
Kayode happy with home debut
Michael Kayode was pleased to play his first Premier League minutes in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
The full-back replaced Kristoffer Ajer during the second half at Gtech Community Stadium.
“I’m so, so happy to make my debut at home,” he said.
“I want to say thank you to the coach for believing in me - I did my best.
“It was unbelievable and the fans are amazing. I’m settling in well. I have integrated very fast with the team - the people are amazing.”