Xavi Simons opens up on breaking his Tottenham duck in a 2-0 win over Brentford.
Tottenham Hotspur delivered the sort of performance home fans have been waiting for in a convincing 2-0 win over London rivals Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Spurs started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 25th minute via Richarlison, who finished off the far post after played in by Xavi Simons. After setting up Richarlison’s goal, Xavi Simons finally broke his Tottenham duck two minutes before half time. The Netherlands international won the ball in his own half and then surged the length of the pitch before sliding into the far corner to double the home side’s advantage.
The Lilywhites had plenty of opportunities in the second half to run away with the game, but eventually, they settled for a 2-0 win. Pressure had started to mount on Thomas Frank after a succession of limp home displays and a run of three defeats in four matches. For the visit of his former club Brentford, though, he recalled Xavi Simons to his starting XI after four games on the bench and the move paid off handsomely.
Xavi Simons opens up on his first goal for Tottenham
Xavi Simons’ recent exclusion had puzzled fans and he was in the thick of the action in the early exchanges, as Spurs attempted to start strongly after a forgettable opening against Fulham last weekend. Tottenham’s promising start had still not produced a shot on target but that changed in the 25th minute.
Pedro Porro played a play over the top for Xavi to run into on the right flank. The 22-year-old laid a pass on the platter for Richarlison to slam home from close range. The hosts were not satisfied to sit on a one-goal lead and the second arrived just before half time after a moment of magic by Xavi.
When asked about his reaction after scoring his first goal in a Tottenham shirt, Xavi told the club’s official website (h/t BBC Sport).
“When I received the ball I said to myself, just go. I know I am quite fast with the ball so I saw some space and I went to it.”
“It means a lot. I have been through new situations in private life and football and you have to handle that every day and come into the club with the mindset of working. For sure I knew it would come, it was just a matter of time.
“I put the work and dedication in every day and it was important to score but the most important thing was the three points.”
Xavi Simons has announced himself at Tottenham…finally
It was Xavi’s best performance in a Spurs shirt since arriving for £52million from RB Leipzig in the summer. The Dutch midfielder has not had an easy start to life in the Premier League, but he showed why he has been talked about as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
A goal and an assist against Brentford would lift his confidence levels massively ahead of a busy run of fixtures. With the near-complete performance, it is safe to say that Xavi has finally arrived at Tottenham.
