Cristian Romero headed home James Maddison’s free-kick after 11 minutes but the Bees hit back through Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty – awarded for a Heung-min Son foul on Mathias Jensen.
The hosts took the lead when Yoan Wissa converted Rico Henry’s cross via a deflection off Micky van de Ven but Emerson Royal rifled home an equaliser in first-half-stoppage time.
Bissouma outstanding
Back on form: Yves Bissouma was arguably Tottenham’s best player against Brentford
/ PAYves Bissouma was Tottenham’s standout player, running the game from the base of the visitors’ midfield – particularly in a dominant second half.
Bissouma was outstanding in the face of Brentford’s well-drilled press, frequently easing himself out of tight spots and always looking to play positively.
He drove Spurs forward in a return to the kind of display he regularly produced for Brighton before a £25million move to north London last summer.
Bissouma was largely ignored by Antonio Conte last season before an ankle injury ruled him out for months, but on this evidence he promises to – excuse the cliche – genuinely be like another new signing for Postecoglou.
Debutants catch the eye
Dazzling debut: James Maddison already looks very comfortable in the Spurs midfield
/ REUTERSAlso impressive was James Maddison, who made both of Spurs’ goals and was by far the likeliest player to carve a way through Brentford’s back five.
The playmaker already looks a key part of Postecoglou’s side and will be important in making up for the creativity lost with Kane’s departure.
He was not the only debutant to stand out, and both Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven appear well-suited to the Premier League.
Left-back Udogie played like a seasoned pro rather than a 20-year-old making his bow, getting forward with menace and purpose, and defending doggedly.
Van de Ven was unfortunate to turn Wissa’s shot past his own goalkeeper but grew into the game, and was assured – particularly considering he lost his centre-back partner Romero, who was replaced following a clash of heads, after just 14 minutes.
No spark in Spurs’ attack
More needed: Richarlison was quiet as he tried to step up and replace Harry Kane
/ REUTERSThere was little doubt that Spurs desperately missed Kane in attack, however, as their front three of Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and new captain Son failed to click.
Kulusevski and Son both struggled to make inroads against Brentford’s low block – a familiar problem – although the skipper tested goalkeeper Mark Flekken in the second half. Richarlison was a peripheral figure for long periods of the game, only coming alive in the occasional flash in the second half.
Adjusting to Postecoglou’s system, and life after Kane, was always going to take time but, unsurprisingly, Spurs missed the England captain’s ability to drop into space and influence the game, as well as his deadly finishing skills.
