Tottenham Hotspur’s 0-0 draw with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco last night will likely have highlighted the issues currently within Thomas Frank’s first-team squad.
The Dane may have spent upwards of £100m on new attacking talent, but his side’s tally of just two shots on target showcases their lack of quality in the final third.
During their first three Champions League outings of the 2025/26 campaign, centre-back Micky van de Ven is the only player in the current ranks to find the back of the net, with the other two strikes being own goals.
The likes of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison were both named in the starting eleven for the meeting with Sebastien Pocognoli’s side, but neither managed to get themselves on the scoresheet.
The latter in particular produced yet another performance to forget, which could see his starting role in the first team come under huge questioning in the coming weeks.
Richarlison’s dismal display against Monaco
The Brazilian has mainly been utilised as Spurs’ number one centre-forward option in the opening weeks of 2025/26, with Dominic Solanke out injured after having surgery on an ankle issue.
It appeared as though the Dane’s arrival handed him a new lease of life after scoring twice on the Premier League’s opening day in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley.
However, he’s massively struggled to match such a performance in recent months, subsequently scoring just once in his last 12 outings across all competitions.
The 28-year-old did start the clash in France last night, but was unable to make a huge impact – as seen by his measly tally of just six passes completed in his 70-minute showing.
Other figures, such as no shots on target, no dribbles completed, and a 0.10 xG produced further indicate how little of a bearing he had on proceedings for Frank’s men.
As a result of his poor form of late, it has led to calls from the fanbase for him to be dropped to the bench, with other players like Randal Kolo Muani and Dane Scarlett deserving of a chance to showcase their talents.
However, Richarlison certainly hasn’t been alone in that category in recent weeks, with one other player being criticised for his inability to impress when handed the chance.
The Spurs star who was like Richarlison but now looks undroppable
There’s no denying that the arrival of a new manager brings about a period of change and bedding in – with Frank needing time to work with his Spurs players to understand his best eleven.
Since taking the reins back during the off-season, the Dane has utilised countless players, whilst even testing various four and five-back formations in North London.
As the winter months approach, it’s safe to say the 51-year-old has started to find out who he can rely on to provide the goods in his quest for success with the Lilywhites.
Wilson Odobert came under fire at the weekend for his lack of impact against Aston Villa, but the manager decided to stick with him for the clash against Monaco last night.
Many questioned the decision to keep the forward within the starting eleven, with the youngster yet to register a goal or assist this campaign and struggling just like Richarlison.
However, the Frenchman took full advantage of the chance handed his way by Frank, with such a performance one of the positives during the disappointing Champions League showing.
The 20-year-old featured for 70 minutes against the French side, subsequently completing 95% of the passes he attempted – the most of any player who featured for 45 minutes or more.
Minutes played
70
Touches
35
Passes completed
95%
Chances created
3
Dribbles completed
2
Crosses completed
2
Touches in opposition box
4
Shots taken
1
He also created three chances for his teammates whilst completing two of his three attempted dribbles – highlighting his tremendous ability with the ball at his feet.
Odobert’s incredible showing was further reflected in his tally of two crosses completed and four touches in the opposition area – undoubtedly being the Lilywhites’ most threatening option throughout the stalemate.
As a result of his showing, he was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Standard’s Matt Verri, with the journalist praising his direct nature and end product.
After such a display, there’s no way Frank can drop him from his starting eleven, with Odobert arguably being a player who’s now undroppable and deserving of a consistent run in the first-team.
It’s clear he’s a player who possesses a lot of quality, and he’s only going to get better as he gains more experience in Frank’s system and in the Premier League.
However, the same can’t be said for Richarlison, with the Brazilian now certainly on borrowed time after his inability to produce the goods in front of goal for the sixth game in a row.