Published on 26 Dec 2022 4:55 pm (UK Time)
The Premier League is back after a month-long hiatus thanks to the World Cup and it returned in stunning fashion with a thrilling and exciting Boxing Day match against Brentford and Spurs. Brentford was coming off a massive win at the Etihad against Man City while Spurs were coming off a win in a thrilling game against Leeds. The game was anticipated to be a thriller and it sure lived up to expectations.
Spurs’ lineup saw the notable absence of Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur as well as Brazilian star forward Richarlison. However star Heung-Min Son returned to the Tottenham lineup which gave the Spurs team a well-needed boost. The lineup also included Japhet Tanganga making his first Premier League start of the season.
The game began and Tottenham looked sharp, especially Tottenham Winger Dejan Kulusevski who was linking up well with Wing-Back Matt Doherty despite playing decent football Spurs struggled to make any real chances. This was punished in the 14th minute when Ben Mee played a chip pass into Brentford striker Ivan Toney who intelligently knocked on the ball to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo who pushed past the Spurs defence with ease and whipped in a beautiful ball that was met on a volley by Mathias Jensen which was saved by Fraser Forster however the rebound was neatly tucked away by Vitaly Janelt. Brentford was 1-0 up and Spurs were behind for the 5th Premier League game in a row. Brentford began to pile on the pressure causing problems for the Spurs defenders who struggled to keep their defensive shape. Spurs first shot on target came in the 29th minute a relatively weak shot that was saved by David Raya. The first half was over and Spurs were behind yet again.
The second half began and as expected Spurs started the half strong . Playing quicker and more direct football and looking more likely to score however this plan was interrupted in the 53rd minute when a woeful clearance from Eric Dier led to a Brentford corner that Striker Ivan Toney coolly placed into the back of the net. Spurs were 2-0 down and the game was seemingly over. The game didn’t get any easier for Spurs however with them really struggling to get back into the game and Brentford looking likely to score with every opportunity they produced. But as we know by now never write Spurs out of a game. With the game seemingly over defender Clement Lenglet in a sensational ball which was met beautifully by Tottenham Striker Harry Kane. The score was 2-1 and the momentum of the game completely shifted. With Spurs looking hungry they looked for an equaliser and this equaliser came in the 71st minute when a Kulusevski cross was deflected off of Defender Ben Mee and landed right to the feet of Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who coolly slotted away the opportunity giving Spurs the equaliser they were craving. The score was 2-2 and Spurs were on the hunt for a third. However, a third goal never came even though Spurs came close on many opportunities. Spurs will be pleased to come back from 2-2 down but there will be some disappointment that they didn’t manage to get a winner
The first Premier League boxing day game is over and it was a Thriller however there are many more games on today so much sure you enjoy yourselves but more importantly make sure you stay updated.
