Spurs must bench Richarlison after penalty farce as United come to town
A big win, but an even bigger talking point
Tottenham’s 4-0 cruise past Copenhagen in midweek had all the hallmarks of a response to that grim showing against Chelsea — down to ten men, a clean sheet, and goals flowing again. On the face of it, the numbers flatter the mood: only Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea have scored more in the Premier League, and only Arsenal have conceded fewer. Yet the grumbles persist, and with good reason. The moment everyone’s chewing over isn’t a goal, it’s Richarlison’s penalty carry-on.
The penalty pinch that crossed a line
Dane Scarlett, a kid on his Champions League bow, danced through defenders, drew a clumsy foul in stoppage time, and earned his moment. Then Richarlison barged in, seized the ball, and insisted on taking it. He promptly clattered his effort off the bar, nicking a once-in-a-lifetime memory from a team-mate. That’s not leadership; that’s looking after number one. For the visit of Manchester United, Spurs should put Richarlison on the bench — message sent, standards set.
Form and merit pick the team
Let’s be blunt: the shirt has to be earned. Richarlison opened the season brightly with two goals and an assist in his first couple of outings, but he’s since managed just one in his last 14 appearances. That dip saw him lose his starting spot to loanee Randal Kolo Muani — and not because the manager suddenly had a change of heart, but because options were threadbare while Dominic Solanke dealt with ankle surgery and Kolo Muani nursed a dead leg. Now the France international is fit, he’s leading the line and must keep it on Saturday.
Dressing-room standards matter
When you’re earning £130,000 a week, the minimum is to set the tone for the group. Spurs are in a delicate spell where togetherness is everything. A senior forward snatching the limelight from a teenager isn’t just bad optics, it chips away at the culture. Drop him once, and the message rings around the dressing room: the team comes first, always.
The alternatives are clear
Kolo Muani brings pace, verticality and a proper reference point up top — exactly what’s required to unsettle United’s back line. As Solanke nears full fitness, he’ll push the queue too, and on current evidence he’s more likely to dovetail with the wide players and finish the moves Spurs are creating.
Where this leaves Richarlison
There’s a World Cup on the horizon and Carlo Ancelotti won’t be picking on reputation. Minutes matter. Reports suggest the 28-year-old would jump at a return to Everton if the door opens in January, and frankly, that might suit all parties. A reset could do him good; it would certainly clear the air for Spurs.
If you’re weighing up the weekend’s markets, make sure you’re using the best betting sites — but whatever your flutter, the sensible selection for Spurs is obvious: trust Kolo Muani, reward Scarlett’s courage, and hold Richarlison to account.
