Former Aston Villa striker and pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has doubted whether Tottenham manager Thomas Frank can truly rely on one Spurs star this season.
Tottenham battle to 2-1 victory at Leeds United
On a rainy afternoon in Yorkshire, Frank's side battled to a 2-1 win at Leeds United in the early kick-off, becoming the first team to beat Daniel Farke's side at Elland Road in the league for over a year.
The match began with Leeds on the front foot, but it was Tottenham who opened the scoring midway through the first half. Mathys Tel broke the deadlock, his shot taking a deflection on its way past the Leeds goalkeeper after being set up by man of the match Mohammed Kudus.
The home side responded well — grabbing an equalizer before the break through Noah Okafor — and supporters would've been forgiven for thinking Tottenham may well capitulate.
After half-time, both teams pressed for a winner in a lively contest, but the decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute when Kudus capped off a strong display by cutting inside and firing a low shot that deflected off a Pascal Struijk and into the net.
Leeds pushed for another equalizer, but Spurs’ defense held firm, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made crucial second-half saves.
Before what was a hard-fought contest, where the Leeds faithful were in full voice and Spurs made to work hard for their win, Frank axed struggling striker Richarlison in favour of Tel.
His decision was justly rewarded by the Frenchman's opening goal, and while Richarlison did replace Tel late in the second half, he once again failed to make an impact when Frank's side were under the cosh.
Gabriel Agbonlahor says Thomas Frank should be worried about Richarlison
The Brazil international started 2025/2026 in fine form, scoring a brace against Burnley, which included a stunning bicycle kick in what was an early goal of the season contender.
He also notched an assist during Tottenham's superb 2-0 win away to Man City, but apart from a tap-in against Brighton thereafter, Richarlison has largely struggled to make a serious impact in place of Dominic Solanke.
While Spurs hope that Solanke will return soon after the international break, following the Englishman's minor ankle surgery, Frank has just Tel and Richarlison to choose from in the number nine role.
Tel's strike against Leeds this afternoon was perhaps the beginning of the end of Richarlison's run in the starting eleven, and Agbonlahor said earlier this week that Tottenham cannot rely on the 28-year-old who cost £60 million to sign from Everton in 2022.
“Richarlison for me, big money, £60 million he cost. He started the season on fire, two goals against Burnley, then scored a tap-in against Brighton,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“Then you’re like, this could be the season Richarlison kicks on and becomes the main man, but the same thing happens season after season with Richarlison.
“He will have a couple of good games, he’ll have three or four games where he will give absolutely zero, and if he’s leading your line, with Solanke’s injury problems, that’s a scare for me for Spurs.”
The former Toffees star, despite flashes of true brilliance at times, has largely failed to justify his price tag — with Richarlison also suffering lengthy injury lay-offs during Ange Postecoglou's final campaign in charge.
His contract expires in 2027, and some reports suggest that Richarlison could join Crystal Palace for around £20-25 million next year.
CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the Lilywhites hierarchy have a key decision to make on the attacker's future, and it will be interesting to see whether suitors could come forward in January.