Randal Kolo Muani has been handed a fifth consecutive Premier League start in Tottenham Hotspur’s home clash with Liverpool but struggled to impress in the first half, with Gary Neville calling the Frenchman’s performance a ‘problem’ for Spurs.
The 27-year-old forward was active in the first 45 minutes, attempting three shots, but struggled to make a real impact, with none of his efforts troubling the visitors.
While the Frenchman saw his first shot blocked within five minutes, he also missed two headers, with his first going wide and the second straight at Alisson in Tottenham's only significant chance of the first half.
The forward should have done much better in Tottenham’s only effort on target in the first 45 minutes, with Neville rightly criticising the 27-year-old, who is still searching for his first Premier League goal.
Neville Criticises Randal Kolo Muani
Neville, speaking on live Sky Sports coverage, branded Kolo Muani’s first-half display a ‘problem’ for Spurs, who have been a man down since Xavi Simons’ red card in the 33rd minute.
“Kolo Muani is a willing runner. He's not got a goal yet, and that is a problem.
“Tottenham have been struggling at home, so it would be a great time for him to get his first Premier League goal.”
Kolo Muani has yet to register a goal involvement in his nine Premier League appearances for Spurs, seven of which were starts.
The Frenchman, who joined on a season-long loan from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, has scored his only two goals in the Champions League, coming in the 5-3 defeat to his parent club last month.
Kolo Muani also has two assists in the competition and has been used regularly by Frank amid Dominic Solanke’s continued absence.
The Spurs striker has been out of action since the end of August and underwent ankle surgery at the end of September, with his exact return date still unclear.
Tottenham Looking to End Dire Run
Tottenham have struggled for form in the Premier League recently, winning just twice in their last nine games under head coach Thomas Frank.
The Lilywhites have taken only five points from the last 18 available and are looking to climb out of the bottom half of the table today.
Frank’s side next visit Crystal Palace on Sunday, 28 December, in their final game of the year.