The short version
- Richarlison scored for Tottenham's under-21 side after being omitted from the first-team Premier League squad.
- Tottenham remains the league's lowest-scoring team, having netted only three goals in six matches this season.
- Manager Roberto de Zerbi stated he did not make the final decision regarding Richarlison's registration status.
Tottenham Hotspur’s ongoing struggles to find the back of the net have reached a new low, underscored by the unusual sight of their former leading scorer playing for the club’s under-21 team. Richarlison, who joined from Everton for £60 million and was instrumental in helping the side avoid relegation last season, scored against Cheltenham Town in an EFL Trophy match. The appearance came in front of a sparse crowd, a stark contrast to his previous status as a key figure for both club and country.
The Brazilian forward has made only one Premier League appearance this season, with his last outing occurring in late August against Brentford. His exclusion from the 25-man squad registered for league play in September has drawn scrutiny, particularly given that Tottenham is currently second from bottom in the table and leads the division in fewest goals scored. With just three goals in six games, the team’s offensive output has been severely limited.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi has distanced himself from the decision to leave Richarlison out of the senior squad. He stated that the choice was not his own and emphasized that he prefers to work with players who demonstrate a desire to remain at the club. De Zerbi noted that Richarlison expressed his wish to leave during pre-season, which influenced the manager’s perspective on the player’s future at the stadium.
Transfer deadline day brought brief hope of a resolution when it appeared Richarlison might return to Everton, his former club. However, the proposed move collapsed, leaving both parties without a clear alternative in the final hours of the window. Subsequent attempts to secure a transfer to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama also failed due to disagreements over personal terms.
The situation highlights a broader issue for Tottenham, who have invested heavily in new talent this summer. Despite spending approximately £300 million on recruits, the team has struggled to convert possession into goals. Fans have expressed their frustration through banners at matches, urging the squad to improve its attacking efficiency. The lack of goals has become a central topic of discussion among supporters and analysts alike.
Dominic Solanke, who joined from Bournemouth for £55 million two years ago, has also faced criticism regarding his goal-scoring record. He scored just 13 league goals in that period before netting a late equalizer against Manchester United recently. That goal marked the first time a Tottenham forward had scored in the Premier League since Richarlison’s last goal in May.
Former England striker Alan Shearer offered a blunt assessment of Solanke’s current form, suggesting he is not performing at the required level. Despite this criticism, De Zerbi has expressed satisfaction with Solanke’s contribution, particularly after the forward helped secure a point against Manchester United while Tottenham was reduced to ten men.
The EFL Trophy group stage offers Richarlison a rare opportunity to regain match fitness and competitive rhythm before the January transfer window opens. However, his absence from the senior squad continues to raise questions about the club’s strategic direction. Whether this decision will be viewed as a mistake or a necessary disciplinary measure remains unclear as the season progresses.
Tottenham’s position in the league table suggests that immediate solutions are needed. The failure to register Richarlison for Premier League play has been described by some observers as increasingly difficult to justify given the team’s poor scoring record. As the club navigates this challenging period, the impact of these roster decisions will likely be a focal point for fans and pundits in the coming months.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Goal crisis & in drop zone - so why is Spurs' £60m striker stuck in U21s?
