Tottenham and Brentford began the calendar year with a 0-0 stalemate at the Gtech Community Stadium in a Premier League fixture that never found rhythm.
The match marked Thomas Frank’s first visit back to the west London ground since departing Brentford in June, following seven years in charge of the club.
Before kickoff, the Danish coach was greeted warmly, stepping onto the pitch ahead of the players and receiving a standing ovation from the home supporters.
Speaking afterwards, Frank described the moment as emotional, reflecting on the shared achievements and memorable occasions during his long spell with the Bees, before stressing that attention quickly turned to the task of trying to win the game.
Tottenham struggle to impose themselves
Despite ending 2025 with a win over Crystal Palace, Spurs failed to carry momentum into the new year and again showed little attacking edge.
Frank’s side found it difficult to control proceedings, often second best in midfield and lacking sharpness when moving forward.
Archie Gray came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors, but his close-range header was denied by a strong block from Brentford captain Nathan Collins.
Richarlison later tested Caoimhin Kelleher with a weak effort, though Tottenham’s forwards were largely ineffective, and their pressing allowed the hosts to dominate possession.
Brennan Johnson was absent from the squad, having agreed to a £35m move to Crystal Palace earlier on Thursday.
Brentford waste control and chances
Brentford, now managed by Keith Andrews, was the more assertive side and prevented Tottenham from building sustained attacks.
Kevin Schade thought he had scored inside five minutes, tapping in from close range, but the goal was swiftly disallowed for offside.
The Bees created the clearer openings, yet Keane Lewis-Potter, Igor Thiago, and Vitaly Janelt were unable to convert promising situations.
Schade’s heavy touch ruined a first-half opportunity, while Lewis-Potter mishit a dangerous delivery from Thiago, allowing Guglielmo Vicario to collect easily.
Thiago, Brentford’s leading scorer this season with 11 goals, extended his goal drought to six matches after firing over from close range.
The draw, Tottenham’s first goalless league match in 137 outings, leaves Spurs in 12th position, with Brentford one point higher in ninth.
