Some talking points from the win over Brentford | OneFootball

On Sunday afternoon, Spurs picked up their first Premier League win since mid December, when they pulled off an important, and impressive 2-0 win away to Brentford. In a game where we saw a different side to Ange's side, there were plenty of talking points. Let's discuss them.

Some of the discussion points from the win over Brentford

After some games out with injury and/or ineligibility to play in the Europa League, Spence was back in the starting XI for this game, and what a way to mark his return to the side, with another absolutely superb performance.

The 24-year old was named player of the match by Sky, and rightly so. Two minutes before Pape Sarr secured the three points, he made a crucial goal line clearance to prevent an equaliser for the hosts.

Not only that, but his general performance was superb. During the 90 minutes, he recorded; five clearances, one blocked shot, one interception, four tackles, 67 touches, two chances created, 7/10 ground duels won, and 3/3 successful dribbles. Top work on and off the ball.

Brentford right-winger, Bryan Mbeumo, has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, yet had a quiet day at the office up against Spence. A really big compliment to how well he played to keep a player of that calibre quiet.

All of this whilst playing out of position at left-back. This is not to slander Pedro Porro, but when Destiny Udogie is fit, it would be really fun to see a pairing of Spence and Udogie tried out at least a handful of times, to see how it works.

It may go under the radar, but we saw another really good performance from Gray at the heart of the defence. After a couple of games at full-back, he has slotted back into central defence and is looking really good. During this win, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, made two interceptions, had 61 touches, and completed 5/8 long balls.

Spurs are really lucky to have Gray. Not going into too much full detail, because another piece on him individually is coming soon (and perhaps with Spence too), but yeah. What a player. What a talent.

The class of Rodrigo Bentancur

It would be pretty safe to say that Bentancur divides opinion within the Spurs fanbase. What, surely, can not be debated, however, that when he is at his best, Spurs are a much better team. His coolness in possession is something very few players at the club possess.

The Uruguayan midfielder's ability to play through a press is just sublime. Although not an out and out defensive midfielder, he is definitely better defensively than the likes of Yves Bissouma, as well as being superb on the ball.

During the win over Brentford, the 27-year old recorded; 71 touches, 2/3 accurate long balls, three chances created, 2/2 aerial duels won, seven clearances, two interceptions, and two tackles. A really dominant, all round display.

By the way, that isn't to say the players didn't also look good on the eye - they very much did. It is just nice to see when the numbers marry up with what we have seen during the game.

Him again. Very rarely a 10/10, very rarely a 3/10. Just a 7/10. It would be stating the obvious to say Spurs would have more points without the injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, even with those two injured, they would have more points without the rare injury to usual deputy Davies.

Is it a coincidence that Gray looks better in central defence next to the experience of Davies? Unlikely. 7/10 Ben. Let's hope he signs a new contract in the summer, even if for another year player. To have someone of his experience, versatility, and that doesn't complain about game time, will be very hard to find - particularly losing him on a free.

The A word. Maybe the word used most when it comes to Ange. Any of "adapt" "adapted" "adapting". Usually surrounded by words such as "can't, "won't", "hasn't" and "needs to". Well, he has. He actually has been trying to for a while. Some have pointed out how he has used full backs differently in recent weeks. We saw him try and adapt with a different set up against Everton. It didn't work, but he tried to.

Spurs slowed the game down against Brentford, particularly in the second half. They really managed the game well. The second half was, honestly, fairly boring. Which is just great. Spurs have had too many entertaining defeats. A lowkey win was just what was needed. It was great to see.

Having that level of control on and off the ball helped to preserve energy, and with the freshness and energy of players off the bench, particularly Pape Sarr for his goal, they were able to get the job done. We have seen some tired second half performances due to the general fatigue in the squad. This time, they managed it better, and were therefore able to go again and get thar crucial second goal.

Spurs currently average 57.5% possession, the fourth most in the league. Meanwhile, Brentford average 47.9% possession, the 12th most in the league. Yet yesterday, the hosts had 54% of the ball. Those numbers for league average are with yesterday taken into consideration too, so the contrast from this game was even bigger.

Brentford are at their best with space to play in behind to the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Kevin Schade. Spurs did not allow them that joy yesterday, at least not in the second half. Top gameplan from Ange.