Richarlison double inspires perfect Premier League start for Frank’s Spurs

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham reign began in style as Richarlison struck twice, including a spectacular scissor-kick volley, to guide Spurs to a comfortable win over newly promoted Burnley, Sport360NG reports.

The Brazilian forward, who managed just four league goals last season, rediscovered his sharpness in front of goal and reminded supporters why the club invested £60m to bring him from Everton three years ago.

His opener arrived inside 10 minutes when he spun and finished neatly from close range after debutant Mohammed Kudus, signed for £55m from West Ham, carved out space on the right and pulled the ball back.

The pair combined again before the interval, Kudus hanging up a cross that Richarlison met with an acrobatic finish certain to be among the contenders for goal of the season. The strike was replayed repeatedly on the stadium’s big screens as fans roared their approval.

Tottenham’s dominance continued after the restart, with Richarlison initiating a move that ended in Brennan Johnson racing clear to slot in the third on 66 minutes. Richarlison’s afternoon ended to a standing ovation when he was replaced by Dominic Solanke, who almost added a fourth.

Frank, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou in June, earned his first league victory at the first attempt, just days after Spurs had pushed Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain to penalties in the UEFA Super Cup.

Spurs outlook: Fresh optimism under Frank

There was an air of positivity inside the ground, from the fans’ “champions of Europe” chants to the attacking display on the pitch. Lucas Bergvall went close inside the opening minute, while Kudus looked every bit an astute addition on the right wing.

With James Maddison sidelined long-term and Dejan Kulusevski also recovering from injury, Frank will lean heavily on Richarlison in the central striker’s role. On this evidence, the Brazilian looks ready for the responsibility.

For a club that stumbled to 17th last season amid supporter protests, this was a day of reassurance, a statement that Spurs are moving forward under new leadership.

Burnley learn harsh top-flight lesson

Scott Parker’s return to his former club proved a difficult one, as Burnley discovered the gulf in class between the Championship and the Premier League.

The Clarets had built last season’s promotion campaign on a defensive record of 30 clean sheets, but debutant goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was beaten within 10 minutes and conceded again before half-time.

Parker was left frustrated when his side were denied what looked a strong penalty shout late in the first half after Jaidon Anthony was bundled over by Pedro Porro. Once Richarlison’s second went in, Burnley were left with damage limitation.

What’s next

Tottenham travel to champions Manchester City on Saturday, 23 August, before hosting Bournemouth a week later. Burnley play their first home Premier League match of the campaign against fellow newcomers Sunderland, then meet Derby County in the Carabao Cup.