Brentford’s dependable shot-stopper, Mark Flekken, was absent from Sunday’s match against Tottenham after suffering a side strain earlier in the week.
His unbroken run as Brentford’s No. 1 came to an end, paving the way for Icelandic international Hákon Valdimarsson to take charge between the posts.
Ahead of the fixture at Brentford Community Stadium, head coach Thomas Frank confirmed the setback: “Mark picked up a side strain two days ago, so unfortunately he can’t play. I have full confidence in Hákon Valdimarsson; he did well against Brighton when he came on.”
The 23-year-old Valdimarsson, who arrived from Sweden’s IF Elfsborg last summer, made his Premier League debut in December, replacing Flekken mid-game against Brighton in a goalless draw.
However, his full debut didn’t go as smoothly against Spurs, as Brentford conceded in the first half due to an unfortunate own goal.
A curling corner led to an awkward deflection off Vitaly Janelt, catching Valdimarsson off guard and handing Tottenham an early advantage.
With Valdimarsson stepping in, Brentford’s bench saw the inclusion of 18-year-old American goalkeeper Julian Eyestone for the first time in a Premier League match.
The towering 6’7” teenager, who joined from Duke University last summer, has yet to make his senior debut but was named among the substitutes for the clash against Spurs.