Xavi Simons breaks down his assist against Brentford.
Xavi Simons has explained the tactical thinking behind his assist for Richarlison’s opening goal against Brentford, revealing how Thomas Frank‘s coaching staff identified weaknesses in the visitors’ defensive setup during the week.
The 22-year-old Dutch playmaker broke his Tottenham goal drought while also providing his first assist in five weeks as Spurs ended their miserable home run with a 2-0 victory. Simons started for the first time since November 8 after being dropped for four consecutive matches, and responded with the kind of performance that justified his £52 million summer transfer fee.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Simons detailed how preparation work during training helped unlock Brentford’s high defensive line. The awareness to recognize the space and unselfishness to pick out Richarlison highlighted his growing understanding of Frank’s tactical demands. He said (h/t BBC Sport):
“We knew that their centre-backs would come high up and I saw the space. I tried to make the run but I know Richarlison is always there so I passed it to him.”
Xavi Simons Also Credits Tactical Preparation for Assist
Simons explained that Tottenham’s coaching staff had identified Brentford’s tendency to push their centre backs high up the pitch during build up play. This created space in behind that the Dutch international was instructed to exploit whenever opportunities arose.
When the moment came in the 25th minute, Simons made a positive run forward after receiving possession in midfield. Pedro Porro spotted his movement and delivered a perfectly weighted ball over the top of Brentford’s defense. Rather than attempting to go alone, Simons demonstrated composure and tactical intelligence by squaring the ball to Richarlison at the back post for a simple finish.
The assist represented Tottenham’s first shot on target in the first half of a Premier League match in five weeks. That statistic alone highlights just how desperately Spurs needed the creativity and penetration Simons provided after his recent exclusion from the starting lineup puzzled supporters.
Simons credited his partnership with Richarlison as another factor in the goal. He acknowledged knowing the Brazilian striker would be in the right position, allowing him to make the pass with confidence rather than forcing a more difficult shooting opportunity. This understanding between attackers has been lacking during Tottenham’s recent struggles, making the connection particularly encouraging for Frank.
Beyond the assist, Simons scored his first Tottenham goal with a moment of individual brilliance in the 43rd minute. After a poor first touch in midfield, he recovered possession quickly and drove forward at Brentford’s retreating defense. His pace with the ball and ability to manipulate space created the shooting opportunity, which he finished calmly past Caoimhin Kelleher.
The victory moves Tottenham back up to the top half of the table despite their inconsistent form. With challenging fixtures against Slavia Prague in the Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League coming up, Frank will need Simons to maintain this level if Spurs are to climb the table.
