Tottenham eased the pressure on manager Thomas Frank with a convincing win against his former club Brentford in the Premier League.

The Bees' visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had all the hallmarks of a banana skin for Spurs and Frank as he struggles to convince supporters of his pedigree.

Instead, against a club where Frank was idolised, Spurs lifted spirits with a thoroughly deserved win to follow their midweek draw at Newcastle.

Summer signing Xavi Simons inspired Frank's side, setting up Richarlison for a simple opener then embarking on a solo run from inside his own half before scoring his first goal for Spurs with a composed finish.

Spurs were never under serious pressure in the second half as they closed out a win that was much needed for Frank and his players.

Frank has struggled to win over Spurs fans who have questioned his methods and whether he is a powerful enough personality to push them back towards the top of the table.

The discontent has surfaced twice recently - after the timid tactical approach in the 4-1 derby defeat at Arsenal and when they lost 2-1 at home to Fulham.

Spurs at least showed fighting spirit to come back twice to earn a point at Newcastle, and this was another improvement as they finally found a way to win at home.

Before this win Spurs had played 16 league games at home in 2025, winning only three and losing 10. Frank has to change that pattern.

This was only Spurs' second home league win this season - the first came on the opening weekend against Burnley - and there was much to encourage Frank.

To add to the satisfaction, Simons finally showed why Spurs were willing to pay £52m to bring him from RB Leipzig, pulling the strings behind an attacking trio of Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs have not had many days to enjoy at home this year - this was one of them.

Brentford will have entered this game with optimism high that they could secure only their second away win in the league this season.

Spurs' confidence was fragile and the atmosphere inside the stadium had been laced with hostility towards their own players, with Frank describing those who jeered goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his mistake in the loss against Fulham as "not true supporters".

The scene seemed set for Brentford to increase the anxiety. Instead they delivered a tame display that allowed Spurs to ease to victory.

Vicario had to make only one meaningful stop from Igor Thiago with the score 0-0, with Brentford offering little once Spurs went in front.

Manager Keith Andrews has shown he can get big performances from Brentford's players this season, which made this subdued effort such a disappointment.

Spurs: Thomas Frank's side face Slavia Prague in an important Champions League game at home on Tuesday 9 December (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Brentford: The Bees play Leeds United at home on Sunday 14 December (kick-off 16:30 GMT)