Tottenham Hotspur began their Premier League campaign in style, sweeping aside Burnley 3-0 in north London — and it was Richarlison who stole the show.
With two sublime goals and a performance brimming with flair and hunger, the Brazilian forward delivered a statement that he’s ready to be the man for Spurs this season.
The opener came early: a crisp volley from 12 yards after a pinpoint cross from Mohammed Kudus. But it was his second that will make highlight reels — a stunning back-post finish, again assisted by Kudus, that left Burnley’s Martin Dubravka rooted.
Brennan Johnson then capped off the win with a composed outside-foot finish to make it three, though Spurs fans briefly held their breath when Richarlison went down injured in the buildup. Fortunately, he returned to his feet, hat-trick-hungry and very much alive in the game.
This dominant display, coupled with a debut full of energy from Kudus and the emotional return of Mathys Tel — warmly welcomed after a tough summer — left fans believing that Thomas Frank’s new-look Spurs may finally have found their spark.
Burnley Battered on Top-Flight Return
It was a grim return to the Premier League for Scott Parker’s Burnley. Despite a five-man backline featuring veteran Kyle Walker in an unfamiliar centre-back role, the Clarets were overwhelmed from the outset.
While they briefly tested Spurs at 1-0 with a Josh Laurent effort, the lack of attacking cohesion and defensive resistance raised concerns about their readiness to compete at this level.
Sunderland Humble West Ham in Stadium of Light Stunner
In the shock result of the afternoon, newly-promoted Sunderland dismantled West Ham 3-0 at a sun-drenched Stadium of Light — in what can only be described as a humbling experience for Graham Potter’s men.
Eliezer Mayenda opened the scoring with a towering header, rising above Nayef Aguerd to meet an Omar Alderete cross and send the home fans into raptures. Dan Ballard then doubled the lead with another headed effort, punishing West Ham’s slack defending.
By the time Wilson Isidor added a composed third — a solo run followed by a curling finish past Mads Hermansen — the chants of “We are top of the league” echoed joyfully around the ground.
West Ham looked disjointed, passive, and completely outworked. For a team with European ambitions, this was a sobering reminder that the Premier League offers no easy games — and that Sunderland, back in the big time, mean business.
O’Riley Penalty Hands Brighton Only For Fulham To Equalise at 90+6
At the Amex, Brighton almost edged past Fulham 1-0 in a scrappy affair thanks to a well-taken penalty by Matt O’Riley until Rodrigo Muniz 90+6 minute equalizer
Fulham struggled to create clear chances, and though Marco Silva’s side were competitive throughout, they lacked a cutting edge. Brighton weren’t at their sharpest either, as Rodrigo Muniz scored an equaliser at the very end.
Key Talking Points
- Richarlison’s Redemption Arc Begins?
After a rocky 2024-25 campaign, Richarlison’s brace today was a reminder of his quality. With Spurs still unsure about their striker targets, the Brazilian might just be their main man after all. - Sunderland’s Dream Start:
Three goals, a clean sheet, and a dominant performance against a seasoned Premier League side — this was everything Tony Mowbray could have asked for. - Worrying Signs for West Ham:
Passive in midfield, vulnerable at the back, and lacking ideas up front, Graham Potter has issues to solve — quickly.
Full-Time Scores (Selected)
- Tottenham Hotspur 3–0 Burnley
(Richarlison 14’, 62’; Johnson 78’) - Sunderland 3–0 West Ham United
(Mayenda 62’, Ballard 68’, Isidor 89’) - Brighton 1–0 Fulham
(O’Riley 64’ pen)
Next Fixtures:
- Tottenham travel to Nottingham Forest.
- West Ham host Crystal Palace in what now feels like a must-win.
- Sunderland face a tough test at Chelsea.
- Brighton visit Bournemouth.