Frank has lost a key playerplaceholder image
Frank has lost a key player | Getty Images
Spurs ended last season on a high but can they get 2025/26 off to a flyer against Burnley and how has opening day gone in the past?
It feels like the proper start of a new era for Tottenham Hotspur with a new manager in charge and the first time in a decade where a familiar face won’t be in the starting XI.
For 10 years, Spurs have been able to rely on Son Heung-min or Harry Kane to make a difference, however, Thomas Frank needs to find a new hero to help pull his team through when the going gets tough.
Mohammed Kudus will add balance on the right wing, however, the report of a bid for Rodrygo at Real Madrid is the sort to get fans excited. With James Maddison expected to be injured for the long term though, Daniel Levy will need to loosen the purse strings like never before.
Tottenham face Burnley with new boys already up against it
A good start would be to hijack Arsenal’s move for Eberechi Eze, not only would he cover Maddison in the short term, but he could be the long-term creative hub for Spurs attack too. With his £68m transfer release clause expiring though, Crystal Palace might be looking for a price war.
What makes things easier, is the Europa League win secured by Ange Postecoglou gives the recruitment team the carrot of Champions League football to dangle in front of prospective targets.
Spurs have mixed fortunes on the opening day but will be encouraged by having Burnley up first at home. The newly-promoted side will be led by former Tottenham skipper Scott Parker who led his team to several defensive records in the Championship last season.
Being solid at the back is a pre-requisite for staying in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how their form translates. The loss of James Trafford between the sticks isn’t going to help their cause though.
How Spurs have performed in the last five seasons on matchday 1
The last two years have seen draws away from home with their only wins in the last five seasons coming at home. In six seasons, Frank will be the fifth different manager in the dugout for the opening game. All other managers have since left and either won trophies or over-achieved, maybe the problem wasn’t the managers after all.
Mixed fortunes, but can Spurs start a new era with a positive opening day?
Leicester 1 – 1 Tottenham
Brentford 2 – 2 Tottenham
Tottenham 4 – 1 Southampton
Tottenham 1 – 0 Man City
Tottenham 0 – 1 Everton
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