Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford opened 2026 with a disappointing 0-0 draw in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium, in a match overshadowed by Thomas Frank’s emotional return to his former club.
Frank, who left Brentford last summer after seven years in charge, received a standing ovation from the home supporters as he walked onto the pitch before kick-off. The Dane had guided the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League and helped establish them as a top-flight side, making the reception a fitting tribute.
“It was a very nice moment. When you’ve been here seven years, it means a lot. We shared many special moments together.” Frank said after the game.
Once the match began, however, sentiment gave way to a scrappy and low-quality contest. Tottenham struggled to create meaningful chances against their former manager’s old side, while Brentford looked the more threatening throughout the evening.
Kevin Schade appeared to give the hosts an early lead with a close-range finish in the fifth minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Brentford continued to apply pressure, with Keane Lewis-Potter, Igor Thiago and Vitaly Janelt all wasting promising opportunities.
Tottenham rarely troubled the Brentford goalkeeper and lacked sharpness in the final third, resulting in their first goalless draw in 137 Premier League matches.
The result leaves Spurs languishing in 12th place in the table, while Brentford remain ninth, one point above their London rivals.
