Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash with Manchester United was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Two late goals had sent the home crowd into ecstasy, only for Matthijs de Ligt to head home in the dying moments, denying Thomas Frank’s side a much-needed victory.
What could have been a defining win instead ended in frustration, exposing issues in both mentality and tactical setup. Though Spurs remain third in the table after 11 games, their inconsistency and lack of balance on the pitch continue to raise concerns.
From the start, Tottenham lacked rhythm. The first half was flat, disjointed, and uninspiring, with Frank’s men struggling to impose themselves. They found some spark after the break, but it wasn’t enough to secure three points.
For all their attacking potential, the team continues to suffer from lapses in focus and structure something Frank must fix quickly if Spurs are to keep pace with the top contenders.
Among the standout disappointments were Joao Palhinha and Micky van de Ven, who failed to provide the usual stability. However, it was the left-hand side combination of Djed Spence and Richarlison that drew the most attention for the wrong reasons.
Both players, who reportedly earn a combined £130,000 per week, struggled to find any chemistry. Their performances not only disrupted Tottenham’s attacking flow but also left glaring defensive gaps.
Richarlison deserves credit for flicking in Wilson Odobert’s effort to score, but his overall contribution was underwhelming. Beyond that brief moment of brilliance, the Brazilian offered little in terms of link-up play, pressing, or creativity. His first touch and decision-making in the final third were inconsistent, and for much of the match, he seemed out of sync with his teammates.
Djed Spence’s situation is more complicated. The 25-year-old was once again deployed out of position at left-back, a role that simply does not suit his style. Analysts have been quick to point out that his positioning “kills Tottenham on the flank,” as the team loses fluidity in possession and fails to progress the ball effectively from that side. Spence is a natural right-back, and forcing him to adapt on the opposite flank has repeatedly proven ineffective.
The problems with this left-sided duo became glaring as the match went on. With both players operating out of their comfort zones, Tottenham looked unbalanced, predictable, and often wasteful. Once Destiny Udogie and Odobert came off the bench, the left side immediately looked revitalized — sharper, faster, and more cohesive. The contrast was night and day, reinforcing the belief that Richarlison and Spence cannot start together again in that setup.
Despite Spence posting respectable defensive numbers, and Richarlison managing to find the net, their combination on the field simply didn’t work. The lack of understanding between the two was evident, and it affected the entire team’s rhythm. Spurs looked more dangerous when either player operated separately, but as a pair, they failed to bring any control or creativity to their side of the pitch.
Below is a breakdown of the duo’s performances against Manchester United:
| Stat Category | Djed Spence | Richarlison |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90′ | 90′ |
| Goals | 0 | 1 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Touches | 68 | 38 |
| Shots (on target) | 0 (0) | 3 (1) |
| Accurate Passes (%) | 33/42 (79%) | 17/22 (77%) |
| Possession Lost | 16x | 9x |
| Chances Created | 0 | 0 |
| Crosses | 0/2 | 0/0 |
| Dribbles Completed | 0/2 | 0/1 |
| Recoveries | 5 | 1 |
| Tackles Won | 3/3 | 1/2 |
| Clearances | 3 | 2 |
| Duels Won | 4/11 | 4/10 |
| Data Source: Sofascore |
Football.london’s Alasdair Gold rated Spence 6/10 and Richarlison 7/10 somewhat generous scores given their limited influence. Tottenham’s attacking transitions constantly broke down on their flank, and their inability to combine effectively forced the team to rely heavily on central areas and the opposite side of the pitch.
Richarlison’s late goal may have masked his overall struggles, but it did little to change the fact that he and Spence simply don’t complement each other. Their lack of chemistry stifled Spurs’ offensive movement and created unnecessary defensive vulnerabilities. Analyst Raj Chohan even described the pairing as a “garbage duo” harsh words, but not entirely unfounded based on their latest display.
Once Udogie and Odobert entered the game, Tottenham’s attacking play immediately improved. Their energy and precision highlighted how dysfunctional the earlier combination had been. The difference in tempo and understanding was stark, showing that Frank must rethink his lineup choices moving forward.
Both Richarlison and Spence will likely have brighter moments ahead, but as things stand, they cannot be paired together again in that system. Richarlison, in particular, may be facing his final season at Tottenham if he continues to underperform. Spence, meanwhile, will be eyeing a return to his natural position on the right, especially after seeing Pedro Porro struggle in recent matches.
For Thomas Frank, the lesson is clear: balance and chemistry must take priority over reputation and salary. Spurs have shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but unless Frank makes the right tactical adjustments, those moments will remain inconsistent. With the international break offering a brief pause, he has the perfect opportunity to assess his squad, address the left-sided weakness, and ensure that Spurs return stronger, more organized, and more clinical.
