Tottenham stats don’t lie: Why Richarlison should start over Kolo Muani vs Crystal Palace
Igor Tudor is set to have a selection dilemma in the coming weeks following Richarlison’s performance for Tottenham against Fulham, which was more productive compared to Kolo Muani.
Fulham completed a league double over Tottenham Hotspur this season after beating the north Londoners 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
Igor Tudor’s side struggled to impose themselves during the first half, which allowed Marco Silva’s men to take a two-goal lead into the break.
The second-half performance from Spurs was much improved, but ultimately not enough, as Tottenham managed to pull just one goal back all afternoon.
Tottenham forward comparison: Richarlison vs Randal Kolo Muani vs Fulham
Randal Kolo Muani was the Croatian’s starting forward on Sunday, which was no surprise given how well he performed against Arsenal in matchweek 27.
However, this time it was a poor showing from the Frenchman, who struggled to influence proceedings in the first half.
When he was taken off, Spurs looked sharper in the final third and managed to score, with Richarlison – his replacement – finding the back of the net.
The underlying numbers from FotMob highlight the difference between the two forwards on the afternoon, with Richarlison producing more in less time than Muani.
Here is how both forwards performed:
| Stat | Randal Kolo Muani | Richarlison |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 58 | 38 |
| Touches | 19 | 18 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.09 | 0.13 |
| Accurate Passes | 2/5 (40%) | 5/8 (63%) |
| Chances Created | 1 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 0 | 1 |
| Shots Off Target | 0 | – |
| Blocked Shots | 2 | – |
| Shot Accuracy | – | 1/1 (100%) |
| Touches in Opposition Box | 7 | 2 |
| Passes into Final Third | 1 | – |
Spurs facing key Richarlison or Randal Kolo Muani decision
Tudor now has a decision to make regarding whom he turns to to lead the line for the remainder of the season.
Richarlison is Spurs’ top scorer and has proven throughout the campaign that he can find the net, scoring eight goals so far.
Muani, on the other hand, has struggled in front of goal, managing just one strike this term in 14 starts.
With Tottenham battling to stay up, they need a centre-forward with proven goalscoring ability in England, and Richarlison has shown he can deliver that.
Muani, however, has worked under Tudor in the past and during that spell, he hit a rich vein of form, scoring three time in six games under the Croat.
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