Pete Hanson

Sun 10 December 2023 17:16, UK

Ange Postecoglou made a bold decision to name Richarlison in his starting line up for Tottenham v Newcastle United on Sunday (10 December).

Giovani Lo Celso was surprisingly dropped for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Richarlison, who has been warming the bench in recent matches having struggled with injury, picked from the start.

Speaking pre-game Gary Neville said on co-commentary for Sky Sports: “I think Son’s equally competent in central or the left, Richarlison for me I think technically does suffer.”

In fairness, at times it looked a pretty adept description for the struggling Brazil forward, who was not having his best game.

But he stepped up when it mattered to make it 2-0 for Spurs after Destiny Udogie had opened the scoring, and it was the first time he had scored not with his head for Spurs.

In total, in stats provided by SofaScore, Richarlison had two shots on target in the first half, and a couple more efforts blocked, while he also completed one of his three dribble attempts.

He also completed nine of his 11 passes (82 per cent success), although none of those passes were key and won three of four ground duels.

There was also one successful long pass, one foul drawn for his team but he did lose possession on four occasions, while having 24 touches.

Still, it was a much-improved showing in the opening period, justifying Postecoglou’s decision.

Ex-Spurs midfielder and fellow Brazilian Sandro, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, spoke pre-game to say: “I think he wasn’t ready to replace Kane and I think he felt the pressure a little bit.

“I still believe in him, I still believe he can help Tottenham and it’s sad because he got this injury and he could be helping the team at this moment.”

Everyone wants Richarlison to succeed in a Spurs shirt and, who knows, maybe this is the moment where things start turning for him.

In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy must splash the cash on Lois Openda to replace flop Richarlison.