If many thought Tottenham’s future following the departure of Harry Kane appeared bleak, Ange Postecoglou was not among them.
Spurs are up to second after a third win on the spin and today produced more crisp, clinical finishing at Turf Moor to prove just why Tottenham fans know this is a new dawn to enjoy, not endure.
The Aussie laughed off the idea that a £40million purchase could ever be considered a bargain last week, but James Maddison’s effervescent display made this 5-2 win over Burnley possible. His is an engine that seldom tires — and set the tempo for this ruthless victory.
Maddison played a key role in Cristian Romero’s rocket on the stroke of half-time to give them the lead, not the first time he had caused panic in the Burnley box, and then returned from the dressing room with interest and soon curled a peach past James Trafford to put Spurs into an unassailable lead.
But in between Burnley goals scored by Lyle Foster and Josh Brownhill which bookended Spurs’s exceptional display, it was Tottenham’s most dependable star and new captain who started and finished this romp in East Lancashire.
And what a message it sent out about Postecoglou’s decision-making and his players’ trust in the project that all five of their goals at Turf Moor were scored by his skipper and vice-captains.
The finishing on show from Son, Romero and Maddison will give Tottenham supporters confidence that there can be a swift return to the top for their side. It was a yearning for trophies and Champions League football that ultimately drove Kane away, but both look within Spurs’s grasp with Postecoglou at the helm.
Burnley started on the front foot and perhaps edged the first half, but Romero’s goal appeared to change Vincent Kompany’s thinking. Two changes at the break and a move to a back five played into Spurs’ hands. Once on the ball - which was often - the visitors’ interchanging attacking play was like clockwork, ticking along like a team nurtured over years, not assembled in a matter of months.
Spurs can head into the international break delighted with their start to the new season and, crucially, confident that there is more to come. Tottenham finally look to have hired a manager who has a sustainable, exciting way of winning football matches. They must capitalise.
