Tottenham Hotspur suffered their fourth defeat on the bounce when Liverpool came out as 4-2 winners on Sunday at Anfield.

In truth, there was little hope that Tottenham would get anything from the match given the run of form they have been on and their record on Merseyside – their last win was in 2011.

And the players, to the disappointment of their own fans, delivered that by losing the game in the first half once again, just like they did at St James’ Park a number of weeks ago and recently against Arsenal.

There was a late flurry from the Champions League-chasing side towards the end, with goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-min.

But in truth, just like the north London derby defeat, it was too little too late and further proof that the players only perform when it gets easy.

It’s easy performing when you are 3-0 down to Arsenal and 4-0 down to Liverpool. The fans want to see a performance from the first minute.

Not many players can hold their heads up high and claim that they performed because most of them were abject.

But Jermain Defoe was keen to highlight Richarlison and how he ‘did well’ from the bench, as he told Premier League Productions (05/05/24 at 6:25 pm)

Not only did the 26-year-old score, but he also assisted and that is now his 15th Premier League goal involvement from 28 matches.

Richarlison’s goal against Liverpool

“Richarlison came on and did well,” said Defoe. “He looked a threat. But he just came into the game too late.

“When you come to Anfield, you have to manage the first ten minutes and try not to concede. When you are 4-0 down, it becomes easier and the other team always takes their foot off the gas.”

Should Richarlison start up front?

The issue here is that he has been in and out of the XI, with his own manager unsure if he even fancies him as a number nine.

You assume that he did enough against Liverpool to now get back in the XI for the visit of Burnley next week – Roy Keane is certain of who won’t play.

Yes, Richarlison isn’t hitting Harry Kane numbers and he probably won’t. 

But a return of 11 goals – and counting – for a player who struggled in his debut campaign and has been in and out of the XI this term, is healthy.

But with Ange Postecoglou talking about making changes via the summer transfer market, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Richarlison is one of the players he parted ways with. 

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