Ange Postecoglou must axe Richarlison at half-time in Tottenham v IF Elfsborg
Ange Postecoglou needs to drag Tottenham striker Richarlison off at half-time against IF Elfsborg.
Postecoglou took a risk by starting Micky van de Ven at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (30 January)
Despite suggestions that this was a “sackable offence”, any risk of the Dutchman aggravating his previous injury appeared low as Spurs dominated proceedings, leaving van de Ven with little to do.
However, while the home side did control possession, they were unable to open the scoring and will need to offer more threat in the final third in the second half.
Therefore, Postecoglou should be looking to replace Richarlison at the break, with the Brazillian underwhelming during the opening 45 minutes in North London.
Ange Postecoglou must axe Tottenham striker Richarlison at half-time v IF Elfsborg
Postecoglou knows that anything other than victory won’t be tolerated in North London.
Therefore, with pressure mounting and a shock Ryan Mason update emerging, the 59-year-old should be doing everything in his power to change things in the second half.
What Spurs need is goals, and Richarlison doesn’t look like providing them right now.
As per Sofascore, the 27-year-old has managed two shots in the first half against IF Elfsborg. However, neither of his strikes were on target.
In addition, the ex-Everton man managed just 15 touches and completed only 78 per cent of his passes, lacking any presence up front as he won just 50 per cent of his aerial duels and was dribbled past once.
As a result, if Richarlison does make his way back onto the pitch after halftime, it will be a questionable decision on Postecoglou’s part.
In other Tottenham news, a “magic” Manchester City transfer agreement has been reached.
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