Thomas Frank’s Tottenham era begins with a dominant 3-0 victory over Burnley, fueled by an ‘exceptional’ performance from Richarlison. The Brazilian forward’s brace, including a sensational scissor-kick, highlights his lethal finishing and sets a promising tone for Tottenham’s season. While Frank tempers expectations, emphasizing consistency, Burnley faces a harsh reality check upon their Premier League return.
Tottenham Hotspur fans have plenty to be excited about as the Thomas Frank era kicked off in spectacular fashion with a resounding 3-0 victory over Burnley. The match, marked by an 'exceptional' performance from Brazilian forward Richarlison, signaled a dream start for the new manager and a promising season ahead for the Spurs.
Richarlison, the star of the show, bagged a brace, showcasing his lethal finishing and unwavering work ethic. His sensational scissor-kick goal was a highlight, igniting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and sending a clear message that he's ready to lead the line for the team. Brennan Johnson also got on the scoresheet, further solidifying Tottenham's dominance and leaving Burnley with little to answer.
The victory wasn't just about the scoreline; it was about the statement it made. Tottenham matched their joint-biggest matchday one victory in the Premier League, a feat previously achieved in the 2022-23 season against Southampton. This dominant performance against Burnley, a team they've historically fared well against at home, suggests a team ready to compete and challenge for top honors. Tottenham have never lost to Burnley at home in the Premier League, winning nine and drawing one, further highlighting their dominance in this fixture.
Frank, while pleased with the victory, was quick to temper expectations, emphasizing the need for consistency and continued hard work. "Perfect start or dream start, we all know we need to follow up on it," he said. "I will just enjoy it, and I hope the players, the club, and the fans enjoy it, because that is important." He acknowledged that there were moments where the team wasn't entirely in sync, but he was particularly impressed with their mentality and work rate, especially their effectiveness from crosses, which is a key element of his tactical approach.
Speaking about Richarlison's performance, Frank couldn't hide his admiration. "What a performance from Richarlison. His work rate, his intensity and, on top of that, two goals – especially the last one – is exceptional." He highlighted the Brazilian's ability to convert chances, emphasizing his value to the team. Richarlison has now scored 13 goals in his last 16 Premier League starts for Spurs, including an impressive nine goals in his last nine starts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, the victory wasn't without its setbacks. Yves Bissouma was absent from the squad due to an injury sustained in training, adding to the team's concerns. Frank confirmed the injury, stating, "Unfortunately, he got injured in training yesterday. We need to look into how much it is." The extent of Bissouma's injury remains uncertain, and his absence could pose a challenge for Tottenham in the upcoming matches.
For Burnley, their return to the Premier League proved to be a harsh reality check. The Clarets suffered their fourth consecutive opening match loss and conceded three goals, a stark contrast to their defensive solidity in the Championship last season. Despite flashes of promise and accumulating a respectable 1.1 expected goals (xG), they were ultimately outclassed by a clinical Tottenham side.
Burnley's coach, Scott Parker, acknowledged the fine margins of the Premier League, stating, "That's the main thing that comes out of this. We started slowly, and Tottenham put us under a lot of pressure." He lamented missed opportunities and praised Tottenham's world-class finish, which ultimately took the game away from his team.
In conclusion, Tottenham's dominant victory over Burnley marked a dream start to the Thomas Frank era. Richarlison's exceptional performance and clinical finishing were key to the win, while the team's overall mentality and work rate impressed the new manager. However, injuries to key players like Yves Bissouma and the need for continued consistency remain concerns. For Burnley, their return to the Premier League was a sobering experience, highlighting the challenges they face in the top flight.