Provider Kudus shines on league debut for Spurs

Mohamed Kudus had already been handed his Tottenham Hotspur debut earlier in the week, featuring in the European Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, a high-profile encounter that ended in disappointment for Spurs after a penalty shootout defeat.

That match, while ultimately unsuccessful, offered Spurs fans their first glimpse of the Ghanaian international in their colors. Just three days later, Kudus was given his first Premier League start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this time he did far more than simply show promise he delivered decisively, announcing himself to the home supporters with a display of quality, directness and flair.

The former Ajax winger, who joined Tottenham this summer after an impressive spell at West Ham United, wasted no time in stamping his authority on the game. In the 10th minute, he produced a moment that immediately justified his inclusion in Thomas Frank’s starting lineup. Collecting the ball on the right, Kudus showed quick feet before curling in a teasing cross. The delivery was inch-perfect, picking out Richarlison in space inside the area. The Brazilian striker, under pressure from Burnley’s defenders, displayed confidence and precision, meeting the ball first time and firing it crisply into the far corner. It was the perfect start for Spurs, giving them a 1–0 lead and lifting the crowd into full voice.

Tottenham, however, did not have things all their own way. Burnley, with Quilindschy Hartman making his debut at left back, showed determination to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm and pressed aggressively to deny space in midfield. There were moments where Spurs looked uneasy, especially when Burnley pushed high up the pitch, but the composure of Micky van de Ven at the back and the tireless work of Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma in midfield kept the visitors at bay. Kudus, meanwhile, remained the outlet, always available on the right wing and forcing Burnley’s defense to stay deep to contain his threat.

The second half brought the game’s most spectacular moment and underlined the blossoming connection between Kudus and Richarlison. Just past the hour mark, Kudus once again worked his magic. With a deft movement inside, he created the angle for a cross and sent in another dangerous ball toward Richarlison. This time the pass wasn’t straightforward, arriving slightly behind the Brazilian. Yet Richarlison, trusting his instinct and technique, adjusted brilliantly. In one fluid motion, he launched himself into an overhead kick, catching the ball perfectly and sending it beyond the helpless goalkeeper. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted. The 2–0 wasn’t just a goal, it was a work of art, the kind of strike destined to feature in highlight reels at the end of the season.

That strike all but ended Burnley’s resistance, and their hopes were finally extinguished when Brennan Johnson added a third. Latching onto a clever pass from Pape Sarr, the Welsh forward finished coolly to make it 3–0, sealing the result. It was Johnson’s first goal of the season, a reminder of his own growing influence in the squad. Kudus, though, was the star of the afternoon two assists, constant involvement, and a home debut performance that immediately captured the imagination of Spurs supporters.

The 3–0 win also marked a successful Premier League debut for manager Thomas Frank, who took charge after guiding his previous club to European glory. For Frank, the sight of his new-look Tottenham side playing with attacking verve, defensive stability, and youthful energy was the perfect way to begin life in North London. Kudus’ seamless integration, Richarlison’s confidence in front of goal, and Johnson’s finishing touch gave him plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the season ahead.

While Tottenham were celebrating, Burnley were left to reflect on a difficult afternoon. Hartman’s debut at left back was a baptism of fire, coming up against Kudus in such electric form. Vincent Kompany’s side worked hard but struggled to contain Spurs’ attacking power, particularly once they fell further behind in the second half. For Burnley, the 3–0 defeat was a reminder of the level they must reach to compete with England’s top clubs.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion endured late heartbreak as they were held to a 1–1 draw at home to Fulham. Roberto De Zerbi opted to start new signing Olivier Boscagli on the bench, but there was still a strong Dutch influence on the pitch. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, defender Jan Paul van Hecke, versatile midfielder Mats Wieffer, and winger Yankuba Minteh all started, giving Brighton a lineup with both youth and familiarity. Wieffer, who has increasingly been deployed as a right back since the latter stages of last season, once again filled that role, showing his adaptability.

Brighton thought they had taken an early lead when Minteh found the net, but his strike was ruled out, and both teams subsequently struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The first half ended goalless, with Fulham’s Kenny Tete and Calvin Bassey also featuring prominently as the London side looked to stay compact and frustrate the hosts.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute when Georginio Rutter was brought down in the box by Sander Berge. The referee pointed to the spot, and Matt O’Riley stepped up with composure, slotting home to give Brighton a 1–0 lead. For much of the second half, that goal looked like it would be enough. Brighton defended well, Verbruggen made important interventions, and the home fans prepared to celebrate a hard-fought victory.

But football can be cruel. Deep into stoppage time, in the seventh added minute, Brighton’s defense faltered at the worst possible moment. Substitute Rodrigo Muniz seized his chance, beating Verbruggen to snatch a dramatic equalizer for Fulham. The late blow silenced the Amex Stadium and secured a point for the visitors, who celebrated as though they had won. The final scoreline Brighton & Hove Albion 1–1 Fulham felt like a defeat for the Seagulls, who had done almost everything right until the very last moments.

In summary, it was a weekend of contrasting emotions. Tottenham, driven by Kudus’ brilliance and Richarlison’s stunning acrobatics, enjoyed a perfect 3–0 home win to begin their Premier League campaign in style. Brighton, on the other hand, were left ruing missed opportunities and a lack of concentration at the death, as Fulham snatched a point that few had expected.