Richarlison vindicates Ange Postecoglou decision with 81% showing in Tottenham v Newcastle
If there was ever a way for a footballer to win back the trust and affection of his manager, teammates and supporters, Richarlison provided the blueprint for doing just that against Newcastle United on Sunday (10 December).
After missing a glorious chance to give Spurs the lead in their 2-1 defeat against West Ham on Thursday (7 December), in addition to what was overall a disappointing cameo appearance, it felt like last last-chance saloon for the Brazilian.
It’s why it was such a surprise Ange Postecoglou named him in his starting XI to face Newcastle, but he was vindicated as the Brazil ace bagged a brace in a 4-1 win.
As per Sofascore, throughout his 23 minutes on the pitch against the Hammers, he managed to miss one big chance and complete just 75 per cent of his passes. It wasn’t his finest display by any stretch of the imagination and it is fair to say there would have been a few surprised faces when he was named in the starting lineup for the Newcastle clash.
However, that surprise would have quickly become joy among those in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the striker put in arguably his finest shift in a Tottenham shirt to date.
His two goals either side of half-time inspired the hosts to a huge win over their top-four rivals and would have provided an enormous boost to his confidence. However, it was more than just his two goals that stole the show, with his overall game much improved from his previous performances this season.
In addition to his two shots that ended up in the back of the net, he saw another opportunity saved and had two further shots blocked, as he acted as a constant threat throughout.
The 26-year-old completed 81 per cent of his passes and played one successful long ball forward, while his defensive play was also generally impressive, as he won four of his eight ground duels and made one clearance, interception and tackle.
The Brazillian looked to get stuck in wherever he could, and those associated with the club will hope this is finally lift off for the man they paid all that money for two summers ago.
In other Tottenham news, this is how the Brazillian proved Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville wrong.