Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has hailed his side’s “big character” after they fought back to secure a thrilling 2-2 at Brentford as the Premier League returned.

After Vitaly Janelt and Ivan Toney put Brentford in front at the Community Stadium, Conte’s team was in danger of losing badly in the Premier League for the first time since mid-November.

But Harry Kane scored in Tottenham’s first game back after missing a crucial penalty in England’s quarterfinal loss to France at the World Cup. That goal was the start of Tottenham’s comeback.

Brentford hasn’t beaten Tottenham since 1948, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s equalizer with 19 minutes left means they will have to wait even longer.

Even though the stakes were not as high as when Argentina beat France in the World Cup final on penalty kicks, Tottenham’s brave escape act showed why the English Premier League is still the best domestic league in the world.

“My assessment about the second part of the game was really good. It was an exciting game. I like to win every time but I know very well it is not possible,” Conte said.

“To have another comeback is positive but on the other hand we need to be more stable.

“Since last season we have made a good step. Now we have to continue to push ourselves. It is not easy. We have shown big character.”