Tottenham Hotspur kicked off life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over Burnley this afternoon, hopefully being the first of many during the Dane’s tenure.
The Lilywhites produced a magnificent display, blowing away the opposition in the second half, restricting the visitors to just four shots on target throughout the 90 minutes.
In their 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign, the backline held the side back massively, conceding 65 times in their 38 outings under Ange Postecoglou.
However, it was the perfect start to life under the new management team, keeping a clean sheet - something which they only managed on six occasions throughout 2024/25.
It was an afternoon to remember for numerous players in North London, undoubtedly staking their claim to the new boss over a regular starting role throughout the new season.
How things played out in Spurs’ win over Burnley
In his first league game in charge, Frank decided to operate with Richarlison in the number nine role - a decision that proved to be a masterstroke given his performance.
The Brazilian put the Lilywhites ahead just ten minutes into proceedings, with his superb first-time finish beating debutant Martin Dubravka in the Clarets' goal.
However, his second effort was also a thing of beauty, acrobatically turning home new signing Mohammed Kudus’ cross - an effort that will certainly be one of the goals of the season.
Brennan Johnson added a third in the closing stages, breaking through one-on-one, before poking home and securing all three points in North London.
Richarlison certainly proved some of the doubters wrong with his showing against Scott Parker’s side, deserving of a consistent run in the side under the new boss, but he’s certainly not alone in that regard.
The Spurs player who should be a regular starter under Frank
The appointment of a new manager always brings about new ideas, changes to the system and the opportunity for players to stake their claim for a regular starting role.
As seen by his two-goal haul this afternoon, it’s safe to say Richarlison has demonstrated to Frank the talent he possesses when given the chance to operate in his natural position.
However, numerous other players appear to have done just that, potentially stopping the manager from making wholesale changes before the end of the transfer window.
After utilising a back five in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday, the Dane reverted to the Lilywhites’ more familiar 4-3-3 system - a decision which allowed Pape Sarr to impress once more.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed rapid development in North London over recent seasons, having the ability to be a key member of the 51-year-old’s squad if he can replicate such a display.
He featured for the entirety of the contest, completing three dribbles and winning ten duels - with both figures the highest of any player on the pitch for either side.
Sarr also managed to complete 83% of the passes he attempted, with six of which being into the final third - helping him grab the assist for Johnson’s second-half strike.
The youngster’s all-round excellence is further highlighted in his tallies of two tackles, four clearances and four recoveries made, arguably being one of the standout performers in the win.
As a result of his showing, Sarr was handed an 8/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold - with the journalist suggesting he could be a key member of Spurs’ squad this campaign.
Such a showing will certainly highlight to Frank the talent the Senegalese star possesses, having the chance to improve further under his guidance, given his tender age.
The midfielder and Richarlison were certainly the shining lights during the opening-day victory - hopefully creating many more moments of magic between them in the remaining 37 outings.