Thomas Frank’s first home game as Tottenham manager ended in emphatic fashion, with a resounding 3-0 win against Burnley marking a “dream start” to his Premier League reign. The victory, however, came with a touch of wistfulness from Frank, who joked that the team’s second goal—a stunning scissor kick from Richarlison—might be the standout moment of the season. “We had 17 passes, every player touched the ball, and then an exceptional finish,” Frank mused, expressing mild disappointment at the brilliance of the strike.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Spurs for £60m from Everton three years ago, has endured a challenging journey due to injuries, scoring just four league goals last season after missing 27 matches. Yet, his performance against Burnley, where he netted twice and drove the attack with flair, has reignited optimism. Frank praised the medical team’s efforts in rehabilitating Richarlison, emphasizing the need for continued care: “He was very good today with his work-rate, linking up play, and taking those chances.”
Richarlison’s impact was not lost on football legends either. Alan Shearer hailed his second goal as “phenomenal,” while ex-England striker Dion Dublin noted the need to “massage his ego” to ensure consistent success. “He has everything to score, but he needs managing on and off the field,” Dublin said, highlighting the balance required to harness his talent.
Despite the win, Spurs’ recent struggles linger. Last season’s league woes saw the club finish 17th, sparking fan protests. However, planned demonstrations for the new season faltered, with only a small group outside the stadium criticizing chairman Daniel Levy. The transfer window has brought limited reinforcements, with West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha as key additions. Yet, the club is reportedly closing in on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, a move that could bolster Frank’s attacking options.
Frank’s approach appears to be shifting from the high-octane, defensively fragile style under Ange Postecoglou to a more balanced system. The manager expressed confidence that performances like the Burnley win would quell dissent: “It was a perfect start, our dream start, but we need to keep going.” With Richarlison back in form and new targets on the horizon, Tottenham fans may finally have reason to believe in a brighter future.
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