Tottenham 3-0 Burnley Match Report, Richarlison gives Thomas Frank a dilemma

Tottenham Hotspur begin their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over newly promoted side Burnley, as a brace by Richarlison and a goal by Brennan Johnson were enough to seal three points for the home side.

This was the first Premier League game in charge for Thomas Frank as head coach of Tottenham and it was a statement win. Fans badly needed a lift after last week’s narrow Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and the players delivered.

The Dane made three changes from that loss, reverting to a back four as Brennan Johnson came in for Kevin Danso. Teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall also got the nod, stepping in for the fatigued Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur.

First half: Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

The game kicked off with real intent from the home side. Within 25 seconds, Mohammed Kudus slipped Lucas Bergvall through, only for Dubravka to deny the teenager’s sliding effort.

Spurs didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough, though. Ten minutes in, Kudus did brilliantly down the right before cutting a low ball into the box. Richarlison met it first time with a half-volley into the bottom corner. His first touch of the match, and that was some way to announce himself this season.

Burnley, as expected, sat in a stubborn low block, making Spurs work for every opening. Tottenham had over 70% possession in the first half, but chances were scarce. The visitors eventually grew into the game, Josh Laurent testing Guglielmo Vicario from range before Kyle Walker sent a strike high into the stands.

For a brief five-minute spell, Burnley actually created more efforts than Spurs, but Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Vicario were alert to any danger.

Spurs tried to regain control before the break. Richarlison and Bergvall linked up neatly to release Kudus, whose cross found Djed Spence. Unfortunately, the right-back sent his shot into the away end.

Just before half-time, Laurent’s deflected drive forced an awkward stop from Vicario, but Tottenham held on to take their lead into the break.

Second half: Tottenham 3-0 Burnley

The second half was far livelier. Just three minutes in, Van de Ven powered a header narrowly over from a Kudus corner. Moments later, Johnson picked out Richarlison in the area, but the Brazilian saw his first shot blocked and then his follow-up saved by Dubravka.

Burnley then wasted two golden chances of their own. Hannibal seemed to be clean through but hesitated, allowing Pape Matar Sarr to recover. Soon after, Foster squared for Anthony, but his tame effort was comfortably dealt with by Vicario.

However, that was enough to let Tottenham know that a one-goal margin was too little, so they immediately doubled their lead. Kudus again whipped in a teasing ball from the right, but this time it sat awkwardly behind Richarlison.

Regardless, Spurs’ No. 9 twisted acrobatically to scissor-kick it past Dubravka, instantly bringing back memories of his famous 2022 World Cup strike. Spurs already have a contender for the goal of the season.

Just five minutes later, Tottenham made it 3. Richarlison held the ball up smartly before Sarr threaded an inch-perfect pass into Johnson’s run. The Welshman took two incredible touches: one to evade his marker and the other to chip past Dubravka.

Burnley tried to respond, Ugochukwu blasting just over from distance, but Spurs kept control. Late on, substitutes Dominic Solanke and Spence both went close, but by then the result was long settled.

The numbers told the story at full-time: Tottenham 2.33 xG to Burnley’s 1.1, 30 total shots in an open contest, and most importantly for Frank, a clean sheet to start the league season.

What’s next for Tottenham?

It was a performance that would have pleased everyone at Spurs. After failing to win their opening game in each of the last two seasons, getting three points on the board early feels massive.

Mohammed Kudus already looks like a bargain; his quality is undeniable. Neither of Richarlison’s goals would have existed without him, and neither of Kudus’ assists would have been possible without the Brazilian’s ruthless finishing. That partnership could be key for Spurs this season.

We had actually lined up an awkward conversation about Johnson on the left flank, but his well-taken goal probably changed the tone. He may not be the perfect winger, but if he keeps scoring and avoids costly turnovers, Spurs will be fine.

Still, the squad looks a touch short in creativity. Bergvall and Sarr impressed today, but against tougher opponents, Frank may crave a natural playmaker. Someone like Eberechi Eze would tick all the boxes.

Speaking of tougher opponents, Tottenham play Man City next Saturday at the Etihad.