Thomas Frank is celebrating a dream start to his Premier League tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, marked by a convincing 3-0 victory over Burnley. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed an exuberant home crowd, still reveling in their recent Europa League triumph, as Richarlison's brace and Brennan Johnson's goal sealed the win.
Frank's tactical flexibility was evident as he opted for a 4-3-3 formation, a departure from the five-at-the-back approach used in the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. This change yielded a solid and effective performance, characterized by workmanlike efficiency and moments of brilliance, particularly from Richarlison.
Richarlison, whose Spurs career has been plagued by injuries, showcased his immense value with two goals. His first was a clever strike from 12 yards, converting a Mohammed Kudus cross with a low finish. The second, however, was a goal-of-the-season contender, a spectacular scissor kick volley from another Kudus cross. Kudus, the new £55m signing from West Ham, proved to be a valuable addition, assisting both of Richarlison's goals and demonstrating his outstanding quality. Brennan Johnson rounded off the scoring, further solidifying Tottenham's dominant performance.
Frank's willingness to give youth a chance was also notable, with teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall starting in central midfield. Their committed performance was a sign of positive change, something that had been missing in the team's displays last season.
Despite the positive result, Frank acknowledged the need for continued improvement and potential additions to the squad before the transfer window closes. He stated, "We are definitely in the market," indicating his ambition to further strengthen the team.
Burnley, managed by former Spurs player Scott Parker, faced a harsh introduction to the Premier League. While they created some chances, they appeared lightweight in attack and lacked the defensive strength to cope with Tottenham's attacking prowess. Parker acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We've got a huge challenge ahead of us but it's one we are going to embrace".
Overall, Thomas Frank's first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham was a resounding success. The team displayed tactical flexibility, attacking firepower, and a commitment to youth, providing a glimpse of a promising future under the Danish manager. The fans' rapturous reception and Frank's lap of honor after the match underscored the sense of optimism and excitement surrounding this new era for Tottenham Hotspur.
