LONDON, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) — Richarlison’s double, including a spectacular scissor kick, gave Thomas Frank a winning start as Tottenham manager in a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Burnley on Saturday.
The Brazilian forward, who managed just four league goals last season, looked rejuvenated as he rediscovered the form that prompted Spurs to pay 60 million pounds (about 81 million US dollars) for him back in 2022.
Richarlison struck early in the Frank era, spinning to fire home on the turn after just 10 minutes, following excellent wing play from debutant Mohammed Kudus, who joined Tottenham in a 55 million-pound (about 75 million US dollars) deal from West Ham this summer.
The pair combined again for Spurs’ second, Kudus lifting a cross to the far post and Richarlison finishing with an acrobatic volley that had the home crowd on their feet and the replays looping on the big screens.
Tottenham added a third midway through the second half, with Richarlison initiating the move before Pape Matar Sarr slipped a pass through for Brennan Johnson to sprint clear and finish clinically.
Richarlison departed to a standing ovation in the 71st minute, making way for Dominic Solanke, who came close to adding a fourth.
For Frank, it was a dream debut in the Spurs dugout. The former Brentford boss was appointed in June to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed just 16 days after guiding Tottenham to the Europa League title – their first trophy in 17 years. ■