Richarlison called out after what he did for Tottenham vs Manchester City – ‘So frustrating…’
Richarlison has been criticised for his impact on Thomas Frank’s side against Manchester City, despite once again being the catalyst.
The Brazilian has faced an uncertain week at Tottenham, after reports emerged that Richarlison had been offered to Crystal Palace in negotiations for Eberechi Eze.
Instead, Arsenal hijacked the Eze move, with Spurs now exploring alternative targets in midfield for the closing week of the transfer window.
Richarlison was described as “like signing a new player” after his impressive start against Burnley on the opening day, when the striker bagged a brace.
Joe Cole calls out Richarlison for hold-up play vs Manchester City
Richarlison kept his place up front under Frank for the trip to Manchester City, with Brennan Johnson and Mohammed Kudus selected either side of him.
But the Brazilian was criticised for his hold-up play in the early stages of the game, with Joe Cole live on TNT Sports (23 August, 12:53) calling it “frustrating”.
“He was brilliant last week,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.
“They’ve come to this ground and Man City have pinned them back. Spurs have shovelled it up to him on three occasions, and he’s not held it up.
“It’s so frustrating when you’re in that low block and you’re trying to get out, you need your forward in these early stages of the game to hold it up.
| Richarlison | In all competitions 2024/25 |
| Vs Burnley (H) | Goal x2 |
| Vs Manchester City (A) | Assist |
“I think Thomas Frank in front of us was a little bit frustrated. He’s very animated, he looks comfortable on the Tottenham bench, but I think Richarlison needs to be better at holding it up.”
Despite Cole’s words, the striker made a key contribution to both of Tottenham’s goals, as they went into the break 2-0 up.
Benefitting from a Pape Sarr flick-on, Richarlison raced in behind and squared the ball across the face of the goal to Johnson, who made no mistake.
The goal was initially ruled out, but upon analysis from the Video Assistant Referee, the goal was given with the Brazilian’s run narrowly onside.
Read more: What Thomas Frank told Richarlison behind the scenes has seen Tottenham form explode
Richarlison continues early-season form
Richarlison has experienced a superb start to the Premier League season, scoring two goals and providing an assist already.
The striker has faced questions over his future in North London all summer, but the 28-year-old now looks to have established himself among Frank’s key men.
Richarlison’s form will be bad news for Dominic Solanke, with last summer’s £64million signing looking set for a period on the outskirts.
He must keep it up in the second half, though.
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