London Evening Standard

Eberechi Eze is expected to miss out on a place in Crystal Palace’s squad for their Premier League opener against Chelsea.

Standard Sport has learned that the Eagles star is unlikely to feature at Stamford Bridge, as Tottenham step up their pursuit of the 27-year-old.

Eze has been a long-standing player of interest to Spurs, and they are now poised to move forward with efforts to sign the England international in the next few days.

Eze had a £68million release clause in his contract, but that expired on Friday without having been triggered.

It is understood that Spurs value Eze at a lower value than that and believe they can sign him for less.

Eze was also of interest to Arsenal earlier this summer, but the Gunners cooled on the attacker once they had tied young star Ethan Nwaneri down to a new five-year contract.

The Briton caught the eye of various top clubs after hitting eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season. He scored the winner in last season’s FA Cup final, and also completed 90 minutes for the Eagles in last week’s Community Shield.

He said: “Marc has trained the entire week with us, every single training session, the same with Ebs.

“I’ve been in the football business for too long, so I know that at any time of any day, things can happen. If you ask me now, I expect both Marc and Ebs to start on Sunday.”

Sport | Football

Tottenham: Thomas Frank builds on promising Super Cup as Spurs hit ground running

The Lilywhites cruised through what could have been a challenging opener, but still have room for improvement

Quick off the mark: Thomas Frank

REUTERS

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham ended last season on a seven-match winless run in the Premier League but they had no issues at the start of the new campaign.

It had been billed as an afternoon that could become frustrating. Spurs, without Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison providing the creativity in the midfield, up against a Burnley side with an incredible defensive record last season.

Instead, it turned into an opening-day cruise for Thomas Frank and his players.

Richarlison scored twice, the second of them a sublime scissor kick, and Brennan Johnson ensured the celebrations could start with 25 minutes remaining.

Here are three things we learned in Spurs’ win over Burnley...

Richarlison makes flying start

It took Richarlison until January 26 to score two Premier League goals last season. He needed just an hour here.

The Brazilian's presence in the starting lineup was encouraging enough, coming not even 72 hours after he led the line in the Super Cup. Calf and hamstring injuries limited him to only four Premier League starts last season.

He was impressive in Udine against Paris Saint-Germain without quite having the end product, but he delivered on that front today.

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Within ten minutes, a smart first-time finish from Kudus' cross beat Martin Dubravka. That, though, was overshadowed by a stunning scissor kick on the hour mark to double his and Spurs' tally.

The work-rate from Richarlison was superb as always. A one-man press early in the second half forced Burnley back to Dubravka and drew huge cheers from the Spurs fans.

He held the ball up well on the halfway line for a move that led to Johnson's goal and Archie Gray, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero all rushed over to celebrate with him.

With Dominic Solanke still not at full fitness after an ankle injury this summer, Richarlison hitting top form has come at a perfect time for Frank.

Flashy: Mohammed Kudus

Adam Davy/PA Wire

Left-wing a work in progress

There are already plenty of signs that Spurs' right flank is going to be dangerous this season.

Mohammed Kudus provided both the assists for Richarlison's goals, wriggling into space each time and picking out the Brazilian perfectly.

Pedro Porro combined nicely with Kudus and Spurs' best first-half moments came when the two worked it down the right wing and put crosses in.

The left wing, by contrast, still feels like a work in progress. Frank applauded a couple of runs in behind from Johnson early on but he was not found. Djed Spence drove forward well from left-back but like Johnson, his instinct is to cut inside.

Johnson improved significantly after the break and took his goal confidently, poking the ball past the onrushing Dubravka. He also got in behind well to pick out Richarlison.

His clinical touch in front of goal could give him the edge over Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert - who both came off the bench - for future matches but it is no surprise that Spurs are in the market for another winger.

Manchester City's Savinho is a target and his arrival would provide more balance to the side, ensuring Spurs carry a threat down both flanks.

Set-piece threat going nowhere

This was a better showing in open play from Spurs than had been the case in pre-season and in the Super Cup, when set-pieces were the most likely route to goals.

Despite that, Spurs continued to ask questions from dead-ball situations and unveiled a new string to that particular bow.

Kevin Danso’s long throws were used to cause PSG problems in midweek, Frank having held auditions for that role a month ago with the Champions League holders in mind.

The focus might have been PSG, but it is something that Spurs will evidently use throughout the campaign. With Danso not starting, Lucas Bergvall took on that role, his delivery not quite as dangerous but still threatening.

With Spurs twice going close from corners as well, Micky van de Ven heading over on both occasions, the signs point to Frank and coach Andreas Georgson having the side as one of the very best set-piece teams in the league this season.

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Sport | Football

Tottenham player ratings vs Burnley: Richarlison stars in Dominic Solanke's absence

The Brazilian’s brace helped Spurs to a fast start in the Premier League

Fast start: Richarlison

Adam Davy/PA Wire

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham began the Premier League season in perfect fashion as they eased to a 3-0 win over Burnley in north London.

Thomas Frank’s side took the lead inside ten minutes when Richarlison hooked home from Mohammed Kudus’ cross and the pair combined again on the hour mark when the Brazilian beat Martin Dubravka with a stunning scissor kick.

Brennan Johnson put the match to bed with a third six minutes later, and it proved to be a stress-free start for Frank in his first home match in charge.

Matt Verri was on hand to rate the Tottenham players against Burnley...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Very little to do but unconvincing when just about shovelling a deflected effort behind in first half.

Pedro Porro 7

Signs of a really dangerous partnership with Kudus. Got forward well to produce a couple of dangerous crosses and largely comfortably defensively.

Cristian Romero 6

Spurs captain was well off his best in a ragged first-half showing. Several loose passes gave Burnley the chance to counter, fortunate to avoid a booking and had to be bailed out by team-mates more than once. Slightly more composed after the break.

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Micky van de Ven 8

His pace on the cover is pivotal for Spurs, mopping up on the counter when they appeared to be exposed. Twice almost scored from a corner.

Djed Spence 8

Yet another classy performance from the left-back. Composed on the ball and so difficult to beat one-on-one. Forced Dubravka into smart save late on.

Archie Gray 7

The deepest of the midfielders and largely kept it simple with his passing. Influence grew as the match went on and did enough to

Pape Sarr 8

Great last-ditch challenge stopped Hannibal when Burnley were clean through. Perfect pass played Johnson in for goal that put match to bed.

Mohammed Kudus 8

Two assists and continues to be Spurs’ chief creative threat. Strong on the ball and offers that unpredictability in the final third. A wonderful signing.

Lucas Bergvall 7

Could have scored inside 30 seconds and had a couple of lovely bursts forward from midfield. Frustrated Frank at times though when turning back in possession.

Brennan Johnson 7

Anonymous in the first half but much improved after the break. Set up a big chance for Richarlison and then clinical when opportunity came to poke finish past Dubravka.

Richarlison 9

Superb display that will be remembered for a magical moment. Took his first goal well but the scissor kick for his second was stunning. Held the ball up brilliantly for Spurs’ third and worked as tirelessly as ever.

Substitutes:

Rodrigo Bentancur (Gray 71’) 6

Dropped to the bench as Frank freshened up the midfield but kept Spurs ticking over after being introduced.

Dominic Solanke (Richarlison 71’) 7

Brilliant touch and turn before firing just wide shortly after coming on

Joao Palhinha (Bergvall 80’) 6

Brought energy to the midfield but no real need for his ball-winning qualities in a comfortable cameo.

Wilson Odobert (Johnson 80’) 6

Little opportunity to make an impact in his ten minutes on the pitch. Switched to the right wing when Kudus went off.

Mathys Tel (Kudus 85’) N/A

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Thomas Frank takes to the home dugout for the first time since moving to north London

Thomas Frank must decide whether Dominic Solanke is fit to start when Tottenham host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.

Richarlison was hugely impressive in Udine, holding the ball up superbly for his side and working tirelessly, but Solanke made his return to action off the bench.

Solanke featured in the first pre-season fixture of the summer against Reading and had been out since then with an ankle injury.

Frank could opt to be cautious with Solanke’s fitness, particularly after describing Richarlison’s performance against PSG as “really phenomenal”.

Yves Bissouma will return to the squad after being dropped for the Super Cup for disciplinary reasons.

“Destiny is progressing, but it’s too early for him to be involved in the squad,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Frank opted for a back-three system against PSG with a three-man midfield in front, but is likely to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation here for a match in which Spurs should dominate possession.

That means Kevin Danso could drop out of the side to make room for an extra winger in the lineup.

Mathys Tel got the nod as a substitute in Udine but struggled to make an impact and then missed a penalty in the shootout, and Frank could opt for one of Wilson Odobert or Brennan Johnson instead.

Sport | Football

Tottenham: Thomas Frank looks to recover from Super Cup defeat in home Premier League bow

Spurs face a very different test on return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Close: Thomas Frank

Getty Images

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

After a summer that has taken him to Hong Kong, Seoul, Munich and Udine, Thomas Frank finally has the chance to enjoy some home comforts.

The Tottenham boss will take his place in the home dugout in north London this afternoon as his side host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.

On paper, at least, it is a kind introduction to the campaign, but it could prove to be anything but.

Spurs’ best performances this summer came against Arsenal, when they defended resolutely in a narrow friendly win, and then on Wednesday night in the UEFA Super Cup.

As Frank put it himself, Spurs were “perfect” for much of the night against Paris Saint-Germain. That they conceded twice in the closing stages and then lost on penalties should not detract from the overall performance.

Frank is superb at setting his side up to execute specific game plans designed for the toughest opposition. For example, the long-throw auditions held at the start of the pre-season were held with the PSG match, almost a month away, in mind. Kevin Danso’s ability quickly became apparent in training and he duly caused PSG real problems in Udine.

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There is already a sense that Spurs will have some joy in the biggest games this season, where they will be well-prepared, tough to beat and maximise set-pieces. With a full week to prepare for Manchester City next weekend, Spurs will travel north believing they can get a result.

First, though, it is Burnley and a very different test. The focus in pre-season training has been on Spurs’ defensive shape, whether that be sitting deep or pressing high.

Against the Clarets, Spurs must prove they are capable of dominating possession and breaking down a side who will set up to frustrate them. Burnley kept 29 clean sheets and conceded only 16 goals in 46 Championship matches last season.

For all the progress that has been made without the ball, Spurs fans will be demanding something more ambitious in games like these.

"It's definitely something of course I'm aware of,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference. “That we need to be dominant against a lot of teams in the Premier League.”

A fast start feels crucial to stop any impatience creeping in. Spurs have the right man in the dugout - Frank’s Brentford side broke records last season by scoring inside the first 40 seconds in three consecutive Premier League matches.

The challenge for Spurs is producing the necessary creativity from midfield in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

The trio of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were superb on Wednesday night, but the chances they created came from turning the ball over high up the pitch, rather than the kind of incisive passing that is likely to be required against Burnley.

Frank admitted that Spurs are not “fully firing yet” in attack, but there was a more telling answer later in the press conference.

It would be easy to look at Brentford’s recent seasons and see that as a model for how Spurs could look to play. However, there is the context of the Bees’ wage bill and resources compared to most of the teams they faced.

Frank was therefore keen to cast the net wider as he presented evidence that Spurs fans can expect to be excited this season.

“I know it's a while ago, but the two years in the Championship before we got promoted, we scored the most goals both seasons and were one of the best offensive teams,” Frank said.

“I've got a clear idea of how I want to do it and of course now it's up to me and the staff to implement that into the team."

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Thomas Frank has decided against starting Dominic Solanke as Tottenham host Burnley in their opening match of the Premier League season.

Richarlison was hugely impressive in Udine, holding the ball up superbly for his side and working tirelessly, but Solanke made his return to action off the bench.

Solanke featured in the first pre-season fixture of the summer against Reading and had been out since then with an ankle injury.

The Brazilian returns to the Spurs XI, while Frank opts to be cautious with Solanke’s fitness, leaving him on the bench.

Yves Bissouma is left out again after being dropped for the Super Cup for disciplinary reasons.

Spurs picked up no fresh injury issues against PSG, but Destiny Udogie remains unavailable with a knee injury.

“Destiny is progressing, but it’s too early for him to be involved in the squad,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Frank opted for a back-three system against PSG with a three-man midfield in front, but has reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 formation here for a match in which Spurs should dominate possession.

That means Kevin Danso drops out of the side to make room for an extra winger in the lineup, with Brennan Johnson coming in opposite Mohammed Kudus.

Mathys Tel got the nod as a substitute in Udine but struggled to make an impact and then missed a penalty in the shootout, meaning he remains among the substitutes.

Romero is in the final two years of his contract but Frank insists his new captain is committed to Spurs

Skipper: Cristian Romero was this week named Spurs captain after Heung-min son’s exit

AFP via Getty Images

Matt Verri

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Thomas Frank hopes Cristian Romero will sign a new contract at Tottenham after being named club captain.

Romero was one of the vice-captains last season and has now taken over the armband following Heung-min Son's move to LAFC.

The 27-year-old went into the summer with his future in doubt amid links with Atletico Madrid, with Romero speaking in April about his desire to one day play in Spain.

However, Romero is understood to be happy in north London and the captaincy is obvious evidence that he is not seeking a move.

The centre-back has only two years left on his contract but talks have not yet begun over an extension.

Spurs would be reluctant to let Romero enter the final 12 months of his deal and are hoping to reach an agreement this season, but the club are relaxed over the current situation.

Romero scored against PSG in the Super Cup on Wednesday

Getty Images

Frank said the decision to make Romero captain was not one done to try and persuade him to extend his time at Spurs, but he would be keen for the centre-back to do so.

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"I think when you name a captain it’s because you think he’s the best that can help the team no matter what, now and also in the future," Frank said.

"It’s not really linked with the contract situation. Of course he’s a very good player so I want him to stay longer."

Frank insisted he has no doubts over Romero's commitment to the club, suggesting he is training better now than at any previous time in his Spurs career.

"I would say I’ve worked with him now closely for more than five weeks," the Spurs boss said.

"I’ve seen a very, very committed player who’s trained very well. The staff have said to me they’ve never seen him train that well. He’s in a very good place. I see a player that will want to lead the team and push the team."

Romero formed part of the team's leadership group under Ange Postecoglou and has stepped up when given more responsibility.

He received 21 yellows cards and three red cards in his first two season at Spurs. That has dropped to 12 bookings and one sending-off in the past two campaigns.

Frank is confident Romero has the necessary attributes on and off the pitch, but believes there is still room for him to grow as a leader.

"I know I see a very big and very good player," Frank said.

"What I like about him and why I have chosen him as captain is his leadership qualities on the pitch, there is a big respect for him from the players.

"Off the pitch as well he also sets the standards. But it’s fair to say, he’s 27 and there are a few older than 27. When I was 27 of course I thought I could do everything, but I also found out that as a leader I am 1,000 per cent better now.

"So he also needs to learn and become better and better so I will do my best to guide him."

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Thomas Frank insisted the Tottenham hierarchy are “working night and day” to strengthen the squad ahead of a planned protest from a section of supporters.

Fan group ‘Change For Tottenham’ will hold a protest outside the stadium ahead of Spurs’ opening Premier League match of the season against Burnley on Saturday. It is said to be the first of a number of demonstrations planned throughout the campaign.

Frustration aimed at Daniel Levy and the club’s owners was also clear last season and it has carried into the new campaign after a relatively slow summer of transfer business.

Mohammed Kudus signed from West Ham last month and Joao Palhinha has joined on loan, but the club were unable to complete a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White. Talks continue over deals for Eberechi Eze and Savinho.

Asked for his views on a protest being held before his first Premier League match in charge, Frank initially responded: “Why are they protesting?”

Told that group are unhappy with the club’s transfer activity and the cost of ticket prices, the Spurs boss continued: “The team needs the support of the fans, which as far as I have seen and heard and experienced in the past has been very good.

“I'm pretty sure the game will not be straightforward. I would love it to be easy - boom, job done, clear win - but we are going to face a Burnley team I have huge respect for so throughout the game we will need their backing.

"What I see internally I just see Daniel [Levy], Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] working night and day to do everything they can to strengthen the squad.”

It was also put to Frank that chants towards Levy had created a toxic atmosphere during matches at times last season.

On whether he would prefer that sentiment against the board to be voiced before games to avoid any negativity in the stadium, Frank said: “Without the fans we are nothing.

“We play for the fans. The fans are hugely important for us. Personally I am really, really looking forward to tomorrow and to lead the team in front of the fantastic fans. That’s what I’m actually looking forward to.

“That other question, I think I’d like to think a little more before we have a qualified answer for that.”

Spurs have held talks with Crystal Palace over a move for Eberechi Eze as they look to fill the gap created by long-term injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Asked if Eze is the kind of player Spurs are looking to sign before the transfer window closes, Frank responded: “We are looking of course in the market.

“Not only for 10 position but just to see if we can strengthen the squad. The players we are looking [at] are only players we think can improve the squad. That's the right thing we want to do. If we can pick the right player and it fits, then we will do something."

It has been a relatively quiet summer so far for Spurs, with Mohammed Kudus the major signing last month and Joao Palhinha arriving on loan from Bayern Munich.

Frank emphasised the work that is going on behind the scenes to further strengthen, but pointed to Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as evidence of how competitive the current squad can be.

“I think there’s a lot of good players. I think we saw a team that was very, very, very competitive, and on any other day we would have beaten the best team in Europe.

“Of course, we want as strong and competitive squad as possible. I know that Daniel (Levy), Johan (Lange) and Vinai (Venkatesham) are working night and day, and they have, by the way, been working night and day the last, whatever, six, seven, eight weeks.