adminTottenham Hotspur endured a disastrous start to their 2026/27 Premier League campaign, suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Stadium.
Spurs were completely outplayed and were fortunate that the damage was not even greater. By half-time, they were already two goals down after a dreadful opening 45 minutes that ranked among some of the worst performances Tottenham supporters witnessed last season under either Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor.
Sandro Tonali was certainly not Tottenham’s worst player on the afternoon, particularly with Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall struggling badly in midfield. However, the £100 million summer signing still failed to justify his huge price tag.
The Italian international was unable to impose himself against a much cheaper Brentford midfield. He looked vulnerable whenever the Bees transitioned forward, while his attacking contribution was almost non-existent. Tonali created no chances and offered little progression with the ball, often resorting to simple sideways passes.
Fernandes emerges as Tottenham’s midfield bright spot
In contrast, fellow new signing Mateus Fernandes made a huge impression after coming off the bench.
The Portuguese midfielder was arguably Tottenham’s standout performer despite entering the game when his side were already struggling badly. Fernandes immediately looked more composed in possession, created two chances and showed a greater willingness to move the ball forward.
Fernandes was left out of the starting XI because Roberto De Zerbi was uncertain whether he would be fully fit after missing several training sessions. Yet if that was Fernandes operating below full fitness, his performance will have given the manager plenty to think about.
He looked considerably more effective than Bergvall in the deeper midfield role and, on this evidence, also appeared to offer more than Tonali in terms of controlling possession and progressing the team.
His performance also served as a subtle warning to Tonali. The Italian cannot assume that his status as a former Serie A champion, his bigger reputation, his age, his £100 million price tag or his relationship with De Zerbi will automatically guarantee him a starting role.
At Tottenham, the midfield hierarchy will have to be earned.
And at the Gtech Stadium, Fernandes looked like the player most capable of taking control of the midfield, protecting the defence and driving the team forward.
Fernandes has effectively thrown down the gauntlet to Tonali. The £100 million man now has a clear challenge: step up and prove why Tottenham invested so heavily in him.
For Spurs supporters, at least one positive emerged from an otherwise miserable afternoon — Fernandes showed enough quality to suggest he could become a major player for De Zerbi’s side.
admin
