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

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

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.

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.