Tottenham must flog £55m player after 'frustrating' Arsenal showing - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 win over Arsenal in pre-season friendly action on Thursday in a confidence-boosting victory for Thomas Frank ahead of the Premier League season.

There was little to separate the two teams in a tame affair thousands of miles away from home in Hong Kong. All it took was a long distance strike from Pape Matar Sarr to make the difference but there were still plenty of positives for Spurs to take.

Frank’s team looked organised and comfortable against a Gunners outfit that placed second in the division last term. Djed Spence and Pedro Porro looked particularly confident on the flanks with Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tell all having moments of success when running at defenders.

Tottenham Hotspur struggle for goal threat

What Tottenham Hotspur were crying out for was a striker with goal threat. Richarlison started the game with Dominic Solanke ruled out with a minor ankle injury and looked far from convincing leading the line.

The Brazil international was mocked on social media for missing a sitter of a goal in the first half. The ball rocketed off the crossbar and onto the head of Richarlison, who stood practically on the goal line. How it didn’t go in is a mystery.

Sadly, it’s not a new tale for the former Everton man. Perhaps more naturally winger, the forward has never been able to make the striking role his own at Tottenham Hotspur since arriving from Goodison Park for £60 million. The striker has 20 goals in 90 Spurs outings but his time in north London has been characterised by hit-and-miss form in front of goal and injury record.

Spurs should flog misfiring £55m striker

One moment in the second half embodied the issue with the player. Richarlison latched onto a loose ball won by Lucas Bergvall and began to drive forwards with passion. However, instead of releasing the ball and getting himself into the box, he carried on dribbling until easily dispossessed by the Arsenal defence.

There’s a lot to love about Richarlison. He wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s hard to ever fault his commitment to the cause. However, if Frank wants to get the best out of his Tottenham Hotspur team, Richarlison is not the man to lead the line. With Solanke injury prone, his second choice must be more prolific.

TBR Football claimed this summer that Spurs could green light a sale for Richarlison for £55 million this year with Brazilian side Palmeiras supposedly willing to cough up that fee. If Daniel Levy receives an offer anywhere near that amount, then selling the striker is a no-brainer.

Those funds could be reinvested in a new striking option for Frank. A player who is going to be in the right place at the right time in the box and not scoff at golden opportunities.

In other news, Tottenham Player Ratings: 'Really good' 9/10 but 'frustrating' 4 as Arsenal defeated.