Why Frank shouted at Bergvall, Eze and the powerful person sat next to Levy
“Yes! A good bottle of wine!” came the loud, almost cheeky response from Thomas Frank as he strode out of the press conference room, answering a light-hearted question from a journalist who asked whether the new Tottenham Hotspur head coach would be treating himself to some red wine after his first Premier League home victory.
The 51-year-old Dane had certainly earned the indulgence. His Tottenham side marked his debut league match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a commanding 3-0 victory, sending the majority of the 61,077 supporters inside the ground back home brimming with optimism.
Richarlison steals the show
While all three of Spurs’ goals were well-crafted, the undoubted highlight came on the hour mark when Richarlison produced a breathtaking scissors kick that left both Burnley’s defence and the home crowd stunned. The strike was so audacious that the stadium erupted twice more as replays flashed up on the big screens, with fans gasping and applauding in equal measure.
It was not a flawless performance—Tottenham had their nervy moments—but in terms of results and first impressions, it could hardly have gone any better. Frank himself had admitted, on the eve of the match, that butterflies would flutter in his stomach when he finally stepped out into Spurs’ grand home arena. He could leave the pitch with those nerves firmly replaced by a smile.
This was a different kind of test from the glamour friendly against PSG days earlier. Everyone already knew Frank’s Brentford sides were capable of upsetting the Premier League elite; the real intrigue here was in seeing how he would approach a game in which Tottenham were the heavy favourites and expected to dictate proceedings.
A depleted squad still delivers
What made the victory sweeter was the context. Spurs entered the clash without a recognised playmaker and with many of the squad still recovering from the exhausting midweek battle in searing heat against PSG. Their opponents, Burnley, had conceded only 16 goals in 46 Championship matches last season, making them one of the most defensively robust sides in English football.
The Dane, however, watched his team press with intensity, play with energy, and finish with ruthless precision.
“Perfect start or dream start, we all know we need to follow up on it,” Frank told football.london after the match. “Today I will just enjoy it. I hope the players, the club, and the fans enjoy it because that is important. It wasn’t a performance through the roof, but it was good, especially against a difficult opponent. It’s never easy in the Premier League.”
He did, however, take the chance to highlight the fixture scheduling, noting the short turnaround after facing PSG compared to other clubs. Still, he reserved praise for Spurs’ medical and performance staff, who ensured that most of his key players were ready for action.
Levy’s return and protests outside
Up in the stands, chairman Daniel Levy had returned from the United States after missing the UEFA Super Cup due to family commitments. His presence coincided with a small protest staged outside the club shop by a handful of fans frustrated by Tottenham’s lack of transfer activity.
Unlike last season’s mass demonstrations, the protest this time was modest, perhaps owing to the feel-good factor of the Premier League opener and the fact that the transfer window remains open.
Inside the directors’ box, Levy was seen alongside Vivienne Lewis, senior managing director at the Tavistock Group and daughter of former Spurs owner Joe Lewis. Given ENIC’s majority stake in Tottenham and ongoing speculation of a significant cash injection this summer—possibly in the region of £120 million—her presence was intriguing.
Transfer talk: Eze and Savinho
Attention now turns to the transfer market. Tottenham remain locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze, a creative midfielder seen as the ideal replacement following James Maddison’s ACL injury. Both clubs are tough negotiators—Levy and Palace chairman Steve Parish are renowned for digging their heels in—so any deal was always likely to be drawn out.
Palace, though, are under pressure. With Eze’s contract running down and star defender Marc Guehi already in the final year of his deal, the south Londoners cannot afford to miss out on a significant payday. Reports suggest Oliver Glasner, the Palace boss, is deeply frustrated at the prospect of losing his best players in quick succession.
Meanwhile, Spurs are also pushing for Savinho, the 21-year-old Brazilian winger on Manchester City’s books. Pep Guardiola has openly acknowledged the youngster’s talent, though he admitted Savinho has picked up a minor injury. The Spaniard hinted, however, that the winger may prefer a move to Tottenham.
Frank, careful not to name names, said only:
“We are definitely in the market. Daniel, Johan [Lange], and Vinai [Venkatesham] are working tirelessly. But we will only move if we find players who genuinely improve the squad. Otherwise, I’m happy with what we have.”
Kudus and Richarlison shine
On the pitch, Frank could reflect on several standout displays. Mohammed Kudus impressed with his home debut, registering two assists with pinpoint crosses for Richarlison. The Ghanaian’s dynamism, trickery, and relentless pressing drew gasps from supporters, and Frank was particularly pleased with his willingness to track back and help defensively.
Then there was Richarlison, who looked sharp, fit, and hungry. Alongside his spectacular scissors kick, he opened the scoring with a well-taken strike and played a key role in the third goal for Brennan Johnson, who finished confidently from the left flank.
Frank was effusive in his praise:
“He was exceptional today—work-rate, link-up play, hold-up play, and two fantastic finishes. To see him healthy, fit, and driving the team forward makes me very happy.”
Youthful midfield shows promise
The Dane also took a bold step in midfield, starting with a youthful trio: Archie Gray (19), Lucas Bergvall (19), and Pape Matar Sarr (22).
Sarr, a player Frank clearly admires, ran tirelessly and capped his performance with a brilliant assist for Johnson’s goal. Gray grew in confidence as the match wore on, showcasing maturity beyond his years, while Bergvall, though inconsistent, displayed glimpses of technical brilliance. Frank, visibly animated on the touchline, gave the young Swede detailed in-game coaching, reminding him of the decision-making needed at this level.
“Young players take time. Archie and Lucas are very talented but they need patience and guidance. Today was a very encouraging step for both,” Frank noted.
Outgoings and squad management
Not everyone featured. Yves Bissouma was absent with a training injury, though speculation remains over his long-term future given his dwindling contract. Spurs are also expected to move on players such as Bryan Gil and potentially Dane Scarlett, while loan decisions loom for youngsters like Luka Vuskovic.
What’s next?
For supporters, though, the focus remains on potential arrivals. If Tottenham can secure Eze—and perhaps Savinho—it would represent the boldest show of ambition in years. Frank has already brought freshness and belief to the club; new additions of that calibre would only supercharge his revolution.
For now, though, he can raise a glass of red wine, savour the moment, and smile at a near-perfect home debut.