Tottenham Hotspur began life under Thomas Frank with a commanding 3-0 win over Burnley on 16 August, thanks to a dazzling double from Richarlison on the opening saturday of the Premier League season.
Sunderland, back in the top flight after eight years, also enjoyed a dream return with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United at a jubilant Stadium of Light. Meanwhile, Aston Villa held on for a goalless draw against Newcastle United despite defender Ezri Konsa being sent off.
On the south coast, Rodrigo Muniz struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn Fulham a 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. Later in the evening, Wolverhampton Wanderers hosted champions Manchester City.
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs gave their new manager Frank a perfect home debut. Richarlison opened the scoring in the 10th minute, slotting in from Mohammed Kudus’s cross. The Brazilian linked up with Kudus again on the hour mark, this time diving to fire home a spectacular acrobatic volley. Brennan Johnson added a third on the counter-attack just six minutes later.
The match also saw a Premier League first under new rules, as Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka conceded a corner after holding the ball for longer than eight seconds.
In Sunderland, the hosts found their rhythm after a cautious first half. Eliezer Mayenda broke the deadlock on 61 minutes, before Daniel Ballard doubled the lead 12 minutes later. Substitute Wilson Isidor sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike, sending home fans into raptures.
At Villa Park, Konsa’s 66th-minute dismissal for pulling down Anthony Gordon left the home side under pressure. Newcastle pushed forward but, without want-away striker Alexander Isak – a target for Liverpool – they lacked the cutting edge to find a breakthrough. “With the circumstances we had, we have to accept it,” said Villa boss Unai Emery, though he admitted dropping two points at home was frustrating.
Brighton looked set for victory after Matt O’Riley converted a penalty early in the second half, but Fulham rescued a point in the 96th minute when Muniz pounced from a corner. “It feels painful,” admitted Brighton manager Fabian Huerzeler. “We should score the second goal and I think the game would be over. That’s football.”
