Conte slams lack of Tottenham stability after Brentford draw before making obvious admission about Harry Kane return

Antonio Conte admitted Tottenham need to become “more stable” after they had to show a strong reaction to fight from two goals down against Brentford.

The Premier League returned at Boxing Day lunchtime with a battle between Brentford and Tottenham. The hosts took the lead after 15 minutes courtesy of a goal from Vitaly Janelt. They went on to double their advantage via Ivan Toney in the 54th minute.

However, Tottenham battled their way back into the game to eventually claim a point. Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored in the 65th and 71st minutes respectively to cancel out Brentford’s lead.

Kane’s goal was a header after a cross from Clement Lenglet, while Hojbjerg’s was a curled finish. They ensured Tottenham could travel back across London with a point, which will keep them in the top four regardless of how fifth-placed Manchester United get on against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

That said, Spurs must address their issues in the first parts of games. They had to recover from a deficit three times in their last Premier League game before the World Cup, against Leeds United, and once again let their opponents score first in the Brentford match.

Conte told Amazon Prime Video Sport: “I think for the people it was an exciting game. I’d like my team to be more stable because from the start of the season many times it happened that we are down.

“We had the strength to come back. But this league is very, very difficult. Today the game, we know the difficulty because Brentford is a physical team. At the end the commitment was good.

“I’m disappointed with the two goals we conceded but on the other hand I’m happy for what we did and the reaction, what we did in the second part of the game.”

Kane’s return to the scoresheet was a boost that alleviated any concerns about how he would respond after missing a penalty for England in their World Cup defeat to France.

And it is no secret for his manager at club level that Kane is the best player in the group he has returned to.

Conte explained: “When he came back he was good. We know the importance of Harry for us – his personality, his character. He’s the best player we have.

“I’m happy that he scored also today.”

Tottenham are next in action on New Year’s Day, when they are due to host Aston Villa.

Thomas Frank impressed with Brentford display

Meanwhile, Brentford claimed points off a top-four side again, having gone into the World Cup break with a win over champions Manchester City.

However, their manager Thomas Frank – who signed a new contract with the club last week – felt they deserved the full share of the spoils.

Frank added on Amazon Prime: “Until the Kane goal I think there was one team on the pitch. I think over the 90 minutes, if you look at chances and control, I think we deserved the win.

“Obviously after the 2-2 they built a bit of pressure. With that in mind it’s a very good performance, the players are very disappointed, I’m disappointed.

“Being Brentford, second lowest budget, playing against Tottenham, fourth in the league with all their world-class players and manager, I think that’s very, very impressive.”

Brentford now have to prepare for an away match against West Ham on December 30.

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