Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Fulham was a tough watch for supporters, and although Guglielmo Vicario made the most obvious mistake of the night, the truth is that he was far from the only poor performer.
His failed clearance near the corner flag directly gifted Fulham their winning goal, and it summed up the team’s entire performance: nervous, careless, and lacking authority in the big moments.
According to Sofascore, Vicario had 30 touches, conceded two goals from three shots, and produced one crucial error that led to a goal. It was the kind of moment no goalkeeper can escape scrutiny for, but it also highlighted a wider issue too many players failed to reach even a basic level.
Thomas Frank’s side looked disconnected and unconvincing from the opening minutes. While Vicario’s mistake grabs the spotlight, several outfield players struggled badly.
Destiny Udogie had one of his most uncomfortable performances in a Spurs shirt, losing four of his five ground duels and deflecting Kenny Tete’s shot into the net for Fulham’s opener. His positioning, timing, and anticipation all seemed a step off, and it put Spurs on the back foot from the start.
Below is an overview of Tottenham’s worst performers on the night. The rankings reflect overall contribution, influence on the match, and the severity of individual errors:
Tottenham’s Worst Performers vs Fulham
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Guglielmo Vicario |
| 2 | Destiny Udogie |
| 3 | Richarlison |
| 4 | Pedro Porro |
| 5 | Archie Gray |
Archie Gray, who won just one of his four duels in his 60 minutes on the pitch, also struggled to impose himself on the game. Pedro Porro had a difficult night as well and was fortunate that Micky van de Ven bailed him out after a mistake similar to Vicario’s.
Aside from moments of brilliance from Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall who combined superbly for a second-half goal there was almost nothing in Spurs’ forward play to suggest a comeback was on the cards. Their lack of threat, movement, and speed in the final third made the defeat feel even more self-inflicted.
Among the attacking players, Richarlison had arguably the most worrying display. The Brazilian forward delivered another quiet performance that raised fresh questions about his role in the squad.
With only 21 touches fewer than Vicario had in goal and no shots or chances created, his presence in the front line offered nothing to worry Fulham’s defence. For a striker meant to lead the line, influence the game, and occupy defenders, it simply wasn’t enough.
Richarlison’s productivity this season paints an equally frustrating picture. Six goals in 21 appearances across all competitions is not a disastrous return, but it falls well short of what Tottenham expected when they paid £60m to sign him from Everton in 2022.
That fee made him the most expensive striker Spurs have purchased since breaking their transfer record for Roberto Soldado in 2013. Soldado himself became a symbol of unmet expectations, and unfortunately, Richarlison’s form is beginning to draw uncomfortable comparisons.
Soldado’s stint at Spurs is often remembered harshly, but his numbers 16 goals and 11 assists in 76 matches were at least serviceable. His goal contribution rate averaged one every 2.8 games.
Richarlison, despite being more athletic, more versatile, and more suited to the Premier League, has not even matched that level of consistency so far. The comparison between the two makes for interesting reading:
Richarlison vs Soldado at Tottenham
| Spurs Career | Richarlison | Soldado |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 111 | 76 |
| Goals | 26 | 16 |
| Games per goal | 4.3 | 4.8 |
| Assists | 12 | 11 |
| Games per assist | 9.3 | 6.9 |
| Games per G/A | 2.9 | 2.8 |
Despite playing more games and producing some memorable moments, Richarlison’s overall impact has been underwhelming when judged against expectations and investment. His numbers show he is performing at a rate almost identical to Soldado, but Spurs didn’t pay £60m for similarity they paid for influence, leadership, and goals in the biggest matches.
For that reason, Thomas Frank must consider dropping him for the upcoming clash with Newcastle United. The team needs a focal point who offers presence, reliability, and threat not someone who drifts in and out of games.
A manager cannot keep rewarding performances that weaken the team’s attacking shape. Richarlison’s confidence appears fragile, his link-up play is inconsistent, and his movement is too passive for a side that needs urgency.
With Randal Kolo Muani showing sharp form, including a brace against PSG in the Champions League, the timing feels right to give him a proper run as the lone centre-forward.
Spurs need energy, aggression, and a fresh spark in front of goal qualities Muani has shown repeatedly at the highest levels. This is the perfect moment for Frank to be bold, reset his forward line, and demand higher standards.
If Tottenham are to create a new identity and escape their current slump, harsh decisions must be made, and dropping Richarlison is the first necessary step.
