A cracking opening Premier League game from Thomas Frank, yes, it was against a lesser side, but what we saw were very important improvements in the tactical side of the game. This side did not suggest that a relegation battle was on the cards.
Vicario’s long passes remain a lottery, but this Burnley side didn’t have enough about them to pin him back where it counted. In this outing, we played sharper defensively, which also aided him.
Porro looked lively, but he lost possession 23 times, which is not a good thing. His passing accuracy was also just 74%, but both of these ‘issues’ will be down to his frequently advanced role. Again, he’d need to be tighter against better opponents.
Romero started slowly, but was generally excellent as he found his rhythm; his passing accuracy was 89%, which again, could have been exploited by a better opponent.
Van de Ven did the usual Mickey-type stuff, some (14) eye-catching sprints and excellent 93% passing accuracy. More, please.
Djed Spence had a much-improved left-back performance, albeit against a lesser opposing force. He also racked up a rather imperious 94% passing accuracy and generally looked like a solid member of the firm.
Pape Mata Sarr had another good game, creating one big chance and generally got stuck in. Minus Bissouma, he looks sharper, more mature.
Archie Gray looked much more at home, being played in position, as per his 93% passing accuracy for a central midfielder.
Luca Bergval found himself in purgatory. Purgatory’s kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren’t really shit, but you weren’t all that great either. Like Tottenham.
Mohammed Kudus was frankly exceptional. 5 key passes, 50% crossing accuracy, 93% passing accuracy and provided both assists. Bloody brilliant.
Richarlsion, by his standards, a superb performance and here’s to Thomas Frank aiding the delivery of more. Focused, sane, and obviously operating to a very clear brief. The Brazilian may wish to make the Norwegian the subject of his next daft tattoo.