Tottenham breezed to a 3-0 victory over Premier League newcomers Burnley after shaking off their UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG.
Thomas Frank was delighted with his sides victory over the promoted Clarets as Scott Parker’s men could not keep out the motivated Spurs.
Sensational goals from Richarlison and a breakaway Brennan Johnson tap-in capped off an excellent performance from the Lilywhites as they look to push into the top six this season.
From Mohammed Kudus’ brilliance to Dominic Solanke‘s growing worries over his starting position, Football Insider looks at how every player did in their first match of the season.
Guglielmo Vicario crucial as defence stayed firm
Guglielmo Vicario – 8
Popped up with four big saves to keep the Clarets out, not putting a foot wrong the whole match, providing Frank with a reassuring presence in goal.
Pedro Porro – 7
The Spaniard was highly active up and down the line, delivering three key passes and whipping in eight crosses during the match. However, he let himself down on occasions by losing the ball – 23 times to be exact.
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Cristian Romero – 8
Another solid performance from the Tottenham captain as he ensured no one got past him on the counter-attack with him and Micky van de Ven part of a resolute central partnership.
Micky van de Ven – 8
Similar to his Argentine counterpart, the Dutchman was on top-form, racing across the pitch to win the ball back including a last man tackle in the first half to keep the score at 1-0.
Djed Spence – 8
After struggling in pre-season and against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, the Englishman was far better suited today against Burnley.
Intricately turning players inside and out, the Danish manager must consider Djed Spence to play in games where Spurs expect to have the ball as this is where the youngster performs best.
Pape Sarr delights again
Archie Gray – 6
A safe and simple performance from the Englishman with nothing to rave about as he popped the ball around in the middle of the park. Although intriguing that Frank gave him a start today ahead of new man Joao Palhinha.
Lucas Bergvall – 6
Similar to his young midfield counterpart, the Swede was nothing special today, just kept the ball ticking over as required. More to come from the number 15 for sure this season.
Pape Sarr – 8
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Senegalese for his work rate and stamina to keep running from box-to-box and he delivered again today for the Lilywhites.
Grabbing an assist for Johnson’s goal, the African continued his fine work in the middle of the pitch, winning the vast majority of his duels.
Mohammed Kudus and co. dazzled in front of goal
Mohammed Kudus – 9
The former West Ham winger is looking better and better every time he puts on a Spurs shirt, masterfully turning defenders inside out as he teed up Richarlison for both of his spectacular goals. Definitely going to be a fan favourite moving forward
Richarlison – 9 – Player of the Match
With doubts over his starting role, the Brazilian got the nod ahead of Dominic Solanke and boy did he deliver. Two well-taken goals including an over-the-head second, take a bow o pombo [the pigeon] after an incredible outing in north London!
Brennan Johnson – 8
Ran up and down the line like a mad man all afternoon and grabbed a well-deserved goal to round off a spectacular day for the Lilywhites as the Tottenham fans chanted “Johnson, again ole ole.”
Substitutes
Rodrigo Bentancur – 4
Wasn’t afforded much time on the pitch to impact but did assist in seeing the game out.
Dominic Solanke – 3
Fitness issues prevented the Englishman from starting over the wonderful Richarlison today and the South American’s performance will certainly worry the former Bournemouth front man.
Joao Palhinha – 3
Came on late in the game and didn’t do much to add to an already comfortable end of the game, the Portuguese will be looking to push into the starting XI next match however.
Wilson Odobert – 2
With just four touches in 11 minutes, the Frenchman hardly got involved in proceedings for Tottenham nor was given the time to.
Mathys Tel – 2
Similar to his compatriot, the former Bayern Munich man could not get into the match in nine minutes, but Spurs fans did applaud him throughout the game after he suffered vile racial abuse online following his Super Cup penalty miss.