Roberto De Zerbi‘s decision to start Richarlison on the wing for Tottenham Hotspur proved costly.
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for De Zerbi in his first game in charge of Spurs, with the North Londoners falling to yet another defeat while also seeing Cristian Romero forced off with injury.
The latter cannot be blamed on the Italian, but the lack of attacking threat posed by Tottenham at the Stadium of Light certainly can be.
De Zerbi opted to play Dominic Solanke as the focal point up top for Spurs, with Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlsionb on either side of him.
And while Richarlison has had a good season for Tottenham, his display against Sunderland showcased the first error made by De Zerbi, and one that shouldn’t be repeated.
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Richarlison was hung out to dry by Roberto De Zerbi
With 10 goals across all competitions, including nine in the Premier League, Richarlison is Tottenham’s top scorer this season.
However, all but one of those goals have arrived while the Brazilian has been utilised centrally.
For reasons unknown, De Zerbi decided to change that against Sunderland, and it didn’t have anywhere near the impact that he would have hoped.
Richarlison completed just five of his 13 attempted passes against the Black Cats, while also failing to create a single chance.
He completed just one of his three dribbles and struggled massively to contend with the physicality of Nordi Mukiele before the Frenchman was withdrawn.
Mukiele won four of his seven ground duels against the Brazilian, who failed to offer the level of creativity needed in the wide areas.
It may only have been one game, but De Zerbi needs to have learned from that mistake and ensure that it isn’t repeated.
Xavi Simons needs to be the answer for De Zerbi
Dominic Solanke was another Spurs player who failed to showcase any quality against Sunderland, and when he isnt scoring goals, his impact is minimal.
Richarlison needs to be the one chosen to lead the line next time out against Brighton, which would allow Xavi Simons to return.
The Dutchman is arguably Tottenham’s only creative outlet available at the moment, and for De Zerbi to have handed him just five minutes against Sunderland was baffling to say the least.
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