Simple for Simons

XAVI TURNS ON STYLE TO EASE PRESSURE ON BOSS FRANK

- GEORGE SESSIONS

PRESSURE had started to mount on Thomas Frank after a run of tepid home displays - but for the visit of his old club he recalled Xavi Simons to great effect.

It took Simons only 25 minutes to set up Richarlison’s opener before the £52million playmaker got off the mark in his 19th appearance with a fine solo goal in the 43rd minute to clinch Spurs’ fourth home win in the league in 2025.

Frank embraced Brentford boss Keith Andrews before kickoff and multiple members of the visitors’ backroom staff.

But it was quickly down to business, with Simons given his first start since November 8.

Simons’ recent exclusion had puzzled fans and he was in the thick of the action in the early exchanges as Tottenham attempted to start strongly after a shambolic opening against Fulham.