Tottenham battled back from an early deficit to draw 2-2 at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
Thomas Frank’s men have made a bright start to the campaign, and they showed plenty of encouraging signs once again to earn themselves a point in the latter stages.
Mohammed Kudus was excellent for Spurs all afternoon, and his cross led to the equaliser when Jan Paul van Hecke turned the ball into the back of his own net.
It was a promising end to the afternoon for the North Londoners, but it could have been even better had it not been for one man’s antics.
This article contains exclusive comments from former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Richarlison’s reputation costs Tottenham in Yasin Ayari goal
Richarlison has enjoyed an encouraging start at Tottenham this term, and he continued that with an instinctive finish in the first half of Saturday’s clash.
However, the Brazilian was at the centre of a controversial moment yet again, as he remained on the ground while Brighton broke forward to double their lead through Yasin Ayari in the 31st minute.
The frontman crumpled into a heap following a challenge from Van Hecke on the halfway line, and Tottenham were left feeling aggrieved as referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to go on.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Richarlison’s reputation for going to ground may have made up Kavanagh’s mind.
“Richarlison was fouled and right to feel aggrieved that the referee failed to award a free kick,” Hackett said.
“It is this type of incident, when going unpunished, that can influence and build up frustration in a player.
“Sadly, his reputation for going to ground rather too easily will influence referees, and they will ignore his pleas for a free kick on occasion.
“It is difficult to understand why VAR did not intervene and rule out the goal.”
Thomas Frank has to get Richarlison’s head right
Richarlison was denied a penalty for Spurs in similar fashion in Tuesday night’s win over Villarreal in the Champions League.
The former Everton star is one of those players who appears to need to play the game on the edge at times, but it is surely in Frank’s best interests to try and tame Richarlison a little and get him focusing purely on his football.
He has made an encouraging start to the campaign, and he could be an effective player for Tottenham, but he has to cut out the moments of madness and frustration.