Revealed: Spurs the first club to benefit from new Premier League rule in 3-0 thumping of Burnley on opening weekend

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley - Premier League

Tottenham became the first English club to benefit from a new rule in the Premier League as Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was penalised for wasting time during their season opener on Saturday. The 2025-26 Premier League season has seen major rule changes designed to speed up play and give fans more access than ever before, as the top flight is clamping down on delays.

WHAT HAPPENED?

During Tottenham's 2025-26 season opener against Burnley on Saturday, Dubravka was punished for holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds. Under the new Premier League rules implemented in the new campaign, if a goalkeeper does not release the ball within eight seconds, the referee will award a corner to the opponents. 

Martin Dubravka becomes the first goalkeeper penalised for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds! ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/EW6BfVzgt3

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Spurs got off to a dream start under new manager Thomas Frank as they thrashed newly promoted Burnley 3-0, courtesy of a brace from Richarlison and a third goal from Brennan Johnson. Richarlison was in red-hot form and scored a blinder of a goal to extend his team's lead at the hour mark, as the Brazilian converted a brilliant overhead kick. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The new Premier League rules were approved by IFAB earlier this year and were formally adopted at the Club World Cup. Other than goalkeepers being punished for wasting time, several other tweaks have been made to the existing rules, including updated penalty and interference laws.

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WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

Frank's side will be back in action on August 23 as they travel to Manchester to face Pep Guardiola's City in the Premier League.