Tottenham Hotspur were left frustrated once again as their Premier League clash with Manchester United ended in heartbreak. A thrilling encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Richarlison’s late goal seemingly secure three points for Thomas Frank’s side, only for Matthijs de Ligt to equalize deep into stoppage time. It was a result that summed up Spurs’ season so far moments of promise undone by inconsistency, lapses in concentration, and a worrying lack of creativity.
Despite sitting third in the Premier League table, Tottenham’s struggles in attack continue to be a growing concern. The team looks solid in bursts but often lacks the spark and control needed to dominate games.
Against United, Frank’s men once again found it difficult to break down a well-organized defense, and their xG (Expected Goals) output continues to lag behind other top teams.
Here’s how Tottenham compares to their Premier League rivals based on xG this season:
| Club | Position | xG |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 9th | 18.2 |
| Manchester City | 2nd | 17.8 |
| Manchester United | 8th | 17.5 |
| Chelsea | 7th | 17.1 |
| Arsenal | 1st | 16.9 |
| Tottenham | 3rd | 10.1 |
| Source: FBref |
The numbers don’t lie. Tottenham are overperforming in terms of results compared to their expected goals output, and this raises doubts about how sustainable their current form really is. Frank knows his side needs to start producing more in attack if they want to stay in contention for major honors this season.
Without the injured Mohammed Kudus, Spurs lacked their usual drive and flair on the flanks. Richarlison and Brennan Johnson worked tirelessly but struggled to make an impact.
Richarlison was pushed out wide to accommodate Randal Kolo Muani through the middle, but the French striker had another quiet outing, barely troubling the United defense before being substituted at halftime.
Although Richarlison’s late strike gave Spurs temporary hope, it was another reminder that individual moments cannot mask collective flaws.
The post-match reaction from Frank was calm and measured. He praised the effort and spirit of his players but will surely have noted the weaknesses that have become all too familiar. One player who may find himself under scrutiny during the international break is right-back Pedro Porro, whose defensive fragility once again proved costly.
Porro is undeniably gifted going forward one of Europe’s most creative full-backs when in form but when he fails to influence the game offensively, his defensive weaknesses are brutally exposed. Against Manchester United, those flaws were on full display.
It was Porro who was caught out of position when Bryan Mbeumo ghosted in behind him to head home Amad Diallo’s cross. The Spaniard’s awareness and positioning were questionable throughout, and he never seemed in control of his side of the pitch.
As the game wore on, his performance went from concerning to outright damaging. He was hooked after 67 minutes, having failed to register a single key pass or successful dribble.
Porro’s numbers from the match tell their own story 29 possessions lost, just one accurate cross out of 12 attempted, and zero chances created. It was a night to forget for a player whose form has dipped alarmingly in recent weeks.
| Stat Category | Pedro Porro vs Manchester United |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 67′ |
| Key Passes | 0 |
| Successful Dribbles | 0 |
| Crosses Attempted | 12 |
| Accurate Crosses | 1 |
| Possession Lost | 29x |
| Chances Created | 0 |
| Match Rating (Football.London) | 5/10 |
| Data Source: Sofascore |
Polish journalist Michael Okonski described Porro’s crossing accuracy as a “disaster,” while Football.London also criticized his performance, awarding him a modest 5/10 rating. These reviews reflect a growing concern that Porro’s attacking qualities no longer compensate for his defensive shortcomings.
Thomas Frank now faces a difficult decision. Djed Spence, who has been forced to operate on the left flank in recent weeks, might be better utilized in his natural right-back role. Moving him back to that position could offer more balance and defensive solidity, especially as Porro’s lapses continue to cost the team.
The logic is simple: while Porro’s flair and attacking instincts are undeniable, his defensive discipline remains inconsistent. In games where Tottenham need control and stability, Frank may no longer be able to afford such risk.
Spence, though still developing, has shown maturity and composure, and shifting him to his preferred side could bring greater balance to the back line.
For all their potential, Spurs remain a team still in transition. They have shown flashes of brilliance under Frank, but these moments are too often followed by setbacks that expose familiar weaknesses. The upcoming international break offers a vital window for reflection and for Frank to make the bold tactical calls that could shape the rest of Tottenham’s season.
Dropping Pedro Porro might seem harsh, but it could also be the change that sparks a stronger, more cohesive Spurs side capable of sustaining their challenge near the top. Sometimes, tough decisions are the key to real progress, and this may be one of those moments.
