Tottenham Hotspur kicked off the Thomas Frank era with a superb 3-0 win over newly promoted Burnley.
Richarlison set Spurs ahead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium within the first 10 minutes, before doubling their lead with an impeccable volley – both goals being assisted by newcomer Mohammed Kudus.
Brennan Johnson completed the scoring to solidify Tottenham’s win and secure three points, an opening day victory at home for the north London side, and one which team boss Frank expressed his gratification with.
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A stellar start for the new boss
Frank emphasised the importance of starting his first season in north London with a win, calling it a ‘dream start’.
“We all know we need to follow up on it – today I will just enjoy it, and I hope the players, the club and the fans enjoy it because that is important.
“I think overall it was a good performance, not through the roof… A good performance against a difficult opponent.
“It’s never easy in the Premier League, and after the very short turnaround against PSG.
“No complaints… If there are two days, three days, four days, one day [between games] I will make sure I do everything I can to get the team ready.”
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A game too close to a major final for Spurs?
However, Frank did have some comments regarding the fast turnaround between Spurs’ Super Cup clash against PSG on Wednesday night, with their Premier League season opener being only three days later.
“Just a reminder that PSG are playing tomorrow night and we play today.
“I don’t know who decides that but the ones who decide maybe need to think a little bit about the players.
Frank went on to praise the Tottenham medical department for getting the squad ready for their Premier League opener.
“Our medical department and performance department did a top job to make sure the players were ready to go... I think we had eight starters again, so that I am happy with.”
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A place for Richarlison in Frank’s future plans
Despite scoring the first two goals of Spurs’ 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Richarlison has not had a regular appearance in the Spurs starting 11 under previous bosses.
Regarding this, Frank emphasised that it is necessary to ‘be smart with him’, saying:
“It's fair to say he hasn't played in every game in the past three or four years.”
The Lilywhites' boss suggested what approach he could take regarding the Brazilian striker.
“It could be to come off in games after a certain amount of time, or come off the bench, or to play five games in a row.”
Having said this, Frank was impressed with the output that Richarlison showed, saying the Brazilian ‘deserves a lot of praise’ for his performance against Burnley so soon after Spurs’ defeat to PSG earlier this week.
“I have a striker that takes those two chances and helps us win the game.
“He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes.”
On his position in future starting 11’s, Frank said:
“I think a few of you know he was not involved in the first friendly because we had to build him.
“That will be continuous and something we need to look at throughout the season.
“It is only the second game of the season; there is a long way to go but very positive with him."
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A team effort for the Lilywhites
Spurs’ newest signing Kudus appeared to be right at home in this Tottenham Squad, making his Premier League debut and contributing to the final score with two imperative assists to striker Richarlison.
This caught the eye of Frank, alongside the overall team effort from the rest of the squad, which the Dane appeared impressed with.
“Second goal… 17 passes in the team I have been told, every player touched the ball and finished with two top actions.
“First from Mohammed Kudus and then second an exceptional finish by Richarlison.
“I’m a little disappointed that so early we have goal of the season, but must be a contender.”
On the youngsters within the squad, Frank was equally as impressed, citing their chances for development within his side.
“I’m very happy... Pape [Sarr], I have praised so much, so I will not say so much about him today – I will give the praise a little bit to others.
“Archie Gray did well, I think… Fine first half, really grew into it in the second half.
“As a reminder to myself and everyone else, young players take a little bit of time.
“It can’t be, we put them out there and suddenly they are exceptional.
“That demands incredible, incredible, incredible talents.
“Normal, very, very good talents, which I think Archie is and [Lucas] Bergvall is, that demands some time, so happy with his performance.
“Lucas overall was very good as well… Top actions from both players.”
