New Year's Day 2026 failed to provide any fireworks on the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur, who were held to a stale 0-0 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
A Lacklustre Start to the Year
The match, which kicked off at 21:54 GMT on 1st January 2026, was a display sorely lacking in character from the visitors. Under increasing scrutiny, manager Thomas Frank did little to silence his critics as his side managed just one shot on target, which arrived in the 93rd minute. The performance came on a day when former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was linked with the Spurs job by journalist Ben Jacobs.
It was the hosts, Brentford, who will feel they deserved all three points in West London. Tottenham now have a swift chance to improve when they host Sunderland on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings Analysed
Here is how each Spurs player fared in the disappointing draw.
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) - 7
The Italian goalkeeper was fortunate to see a Brentford goal ruled out for offside in the first half after parrying a save directly into danger. He redeemed himself after the break with an impressive stop, leaping well to make a strong punch.
Djed Spence (LB) - 4
A lazy performance where the full-back's poor body language summed up Spurs' night. He was consistently outplayed by the sprightly Keane Lewis-Potter on the flank.
Micky Van de Ven (CB) - 7
Looked a little sluggish early on against the lively Igor Thiago but grew into the contest and was alert to the growing Brentford pressure late in the game.
Cristian Romero (CB) - 7
Overcommitted on occasions and struggled to recover, but ultimately helped secure a clean sheet. Criticism will rightly be focused further up the pitch.
Pedro Porro (RB) - 5
Better than Spence but his set-piece delivery was decidedly average. He was targeted by Brentford after half-time and was guilty of giving the ball away needlessly.
Midfield and Attack Falters
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - 8
The best of an underwhelming bunch. He saw plenty of the ball in a vocal performance, trying to marshal the side and make things happen. He should avoid the bulk of the criticism following this display.
Joao Palhinha (CM) - 5
Kept the Brentford midfield in check but offered little else. Spurs' lack of character and creativity is a problem, and Palhinha is not currently providing the solution. He looked leggy as the match progressed.
Wilson Odobert (LW) - 5
Started brightly with a clever turn in his own half but, as has been typical, lacked conviction thereafter. He was even outpaced by Brentford's stocky centre-backs at times.
Archie Gray (CAM) - 6
Clearly buoyed by his goal against Crystal Palace, he showed moments of confidence. However, he lacked the physicality needed against a strong Brentford side. Did get into good offensive positions, meeting a decent headed chance in the first half.
Mohammed Kudus (RW) - 3
A pretty dire performance. Nothing worked for the winger, who lost possession far too regularly and missed simple passes. He has a long way to go to justify his £55 million summer transfer fee.
Richarlison (ST) - 5
Struggled to hold the ball up and had no clear-cut chances, a situation not helped by the ineffective wingers. He was practically manhandled off the ball by Kristoffer Ajer in the first half. His best moment was a perfect cross onto Archie Gray's head, but a feeble cross in added time summed up his night.
Substitutes: Randal Kolo Muani (6), Mathys Tel (5).
In other news, Tottenham recalled a 'quality' midfielder from a loan spell ahead of this Brentford clash.
