Tottenham continued their form from late last season to earn a comfortable 4-1 home win against a desperately poor Southampton side.
Dejan Kulusevski was the star of the show as he was for most of the second half of last season with a commanding display that was rewarded with a goal and an assist.
The Swede has the most assists in Anotnio Conte’s side this year and he only joined the team for the second half of last season.
It could have been a totally different game though, after Southampton went ahead early on in the game through their club captain James Ward-Prowse following some shocking defending from Spurs.
But Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Dejan Kulusevski and own goals from Mohammed Salisu sealed a one sided affair from then for Spurs.
The only downside for Tottenham would be that they scored four and both Son Heung-min and Harry Kane did not get on the score sheet.
The ruthless nature of the win is a huge statement to opponents who will be visiting the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this season.
Antonio Conte’s men did not have to break sweat once they went ahead and on the evidence of today’s display, they will be one of the teams to look up to as the season progresses into the business end.
There were debuts also for Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and highly-rated Clément Lenglet late in the game to introduce them to their new surroundings.
This was a perfect afternoon for Antonio Conte and the kind of start that could lead to a special season.
Here is how we rated everyone of them toady.
5. Emerson Royal
One of the unsung heroes of last season and was up and down the right side all game too-6 | Getty Images
6. Ryan Sessegnon
Headed in his club’s first goal of the season and would be glad with his first game-6.5 | Getty Images
7. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Battled on and held his position but there is feeling that he will have to up his game if he is to keep his position-6 | Getty Images
8. Dejan Kulusevski
Got his first assist of the season already and just looks so comfortable playing in the Premier League. Added a goal late on. man of the match-9 | AFP via Getty Images