Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Burnley: Marvellous Richarlison brace gives Spurs dream Premier League start | OneFootball

A goal in each half for Richarlison including, an acrobatic bicycle kick, along with a third from Brennan Johnson, proved the difference between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley despite Scott Parker’s side creating 14 chances in the game.

Thomas Frank’s men stormed to an early lead, with new signing Mohammed Kudus assisting Richarlison for his first. Lightning then struck twice when the pair linked up once more for a strike which could already be up for goal of the season.

Parker will be left scratching his head as to how his side didn’t find the back of the net after a flurry of missed chances, and the nail was put in the coffin with Johnson slotting the ball away to send Spurs to the top of the table.

As it happened

It was an electric start for Frank’s side who clearly fed off the loud home atmosphere, as the young Swede Lucas Bergvall forced a first save for Burnley debutant Martin Dúbravka just 30 seconds in. It was also a first for one of the the new Premier League rules, as the Slovakian international held the ball for more than eight seconds resulting in referee Michael Oliver giving a corner against Burnley.

After a dominant opening 10 minutes from Spurs, they would be rewarded with a beautiful goal from Richarlison, who hammered a half volley into the back of the net past Dúbravka. Kudus provided an inch perfect cross to secure his first goal contribution for his new team, and 25% of FPL managers will be buzzing with the new winger’s goal contribution.

The game flattened out for the home side following Richarlison’s goal and after 25 minutes, Guglielmo Vicario was forced into his first save of the afternoon when Maxime Estève’s header fell straight into the Italian’s hands. Just moments later, Josh Laurent flashed a shot wide of the post, quietening the home fans.

Laurent looked the most lively for Burnley as he forced another save out of Vicario, with The Clarets having more touches inside the penalty box than Spurs.

After 45 minutes, despite only having 29% possession, Parker’s side created double the amount of chances as their hosts, but it would be Richarlison’s goal inside 10 minutes which would be the difference maker.

Spurs started the second half just as they did in the first, with Estève and Dúbravka denying Richarlison his second of the afternoon: the first shot was blocked by the shoulder of the defender which was followed by an outstanding save by his goalkeeper.

Then came what could be goal of the season already with an outstanding acrobatic goal from Richarlison, who scored his and Spurs’ second of the game. He was assisted again by Kudus, who floated another perfect cross which was destined to be hit.

Just five minutes later, the three points were wrapped up for the home side when Johnson was sent through on goal before making no mistake, chipping it past Dúbravka to send the home fans into elation.

Richarlison and Kudus were subbed off to a loud standing ovation from the home fans and a big hug from new boss Frank, who will be delighted with an opening three points.

The lineups

BUR: Dúbravka; Sonne, Walker, Ekdal, Estève, Hartman; Mejbri, Laurent, Cullen, Anthony; Foster