While others were euphoric about the resume of the Premier League season, the Spurs coach Antonio Conte was awkwardly worried. Now we know why.His team drew at Brentford 2-2 in the opening game of the EPL matchday 17, bouncing back after trailing by two goals at the beginning of the second half. Tottenham have conceded the opening goal in their last nine matches 🙃 pic.twitter.com/CXyMXt8MVh— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 26, 2022 Despite fielding a whole set of impeccable players in the starting XI, excluding keeper Hugo Lloris, the Spurs seemed lost and deprived of the necessary energy for this kind of challenge. The fact their squad was filled with many World Cup stars like Hojbjerg, Dier, Perisic, Son and Kane didn’t impress Thomas Frank’s side. The Bees were eager to quickly come in front and managed to do that thanks to Janelt’s tap-in 15 minutes into the game.
Brentford were solid both defensively and in the attack, where Toney doubled the lead by dashing past the keeper before it was ruled out due to offside.However, it didn’t prevent the hosts from pushing for that second, and it paid off for them big time only seven minutes into the second half. Toney’s new effort was onside this time, but a 2-0 deficit on the scoreboard created a totally unexpected plot – the Spurs were suddenly brought to life, while the Bees seemed scared of the victory just around the corner. Harry Kane buried a charming header following Lenglet’s cross to return the suspense in the 65th minute, and it was blatantly clear by that time Tottenham would earn at least a point.The game’s momentum instantly changed, and the pendulum slid completely to Tottenham’s side. Hojbjerg made the most of it soon after as he was left completely unmarked in the opposite box, squandering it quickly to level the score, 2-2.That was still far from over, with another Kane header hitting the crossbar as Thomas Frank and his boys felt sudden relief. The Bees were struggling to save at least a draw, but when not even that spectacular Son’s mid-range effort deep in the injury time didn’t go in, it was obvious we’ve got an even-steven game for the return of the Premier League football.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 17MondayBrentford – Tottenham 2-2 (1-0)/Janelt 15, Toney 54 – Kane 65, Hojbjerg 71/18:00: (3.45) Leicester (3.40) Newcastle (2.25)18:00: (3.35) Southampton (3.40) Brighton (2.30)18:00: (2.45) Everton (3.15) Wolverhampton (3.30)18:00: (2.15) Crystal Palace (3.40) Fulham (3.70)20:30: (4.60) Aston Villa (3.70) Liverpool (1.85)23:00: (1.55) Arsenal (4.20) West Ham (7.00)Tuesday20:30: (1.35) Chelsea (5.30) Bournemouth (10.0)23:00: (1.35) Man.Utd. (5.30) Nott.Forest (10.0)Wednesday23:00: (9.50) Leeds (5.90) Man.City (1.33)***odds are subject to change***