At a glance:
- Tottenham will face Aston Villa today
- They have just 3 fit senior attackers
- Roberto De Zerbi labeled Randal Kolo Muani a problem
Tottenham Hotspur are set for a hugely important clash in their Premier League relegation battle against Aston Villa later today.
Spurs are currently 18th in the league standings. However, they sit two points behind West Ham with a game in hand. The Hammers lost 3-0 against Brentford on Saturday. Hence, a win over Villa will see Tottenham finish the matchday in 17th.
However, Spurs go into the game with just three fit senior attackers: Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani. Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke suffered injuries in their win over Wolves last week.
De Zerbi speaks about Kolo Muani
The north London side signed Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from PSG last summer. However, he has largely been disappointing with five goals and four assists in 37 games across competitions.
Ahead of the clash against Aston Villa, De Zerbi labeled the Frenchman one of his “problems”, saying (h/t Football.London):
“He’s another of my problems. I have too many problems! But it’s not problems, I love working in this part of my job because when I was a player, I wanted to work with the coach to help to transfer more confidence, to believe, to show what his idea was about me.”
“Sometimes coaches forget about this part of our work, but in this part, I want to be the first level. I can lose on the pitch, I can lose something in the tactics, but in terms of relationship, I want to give my best with all the players and not forget anyone,” he added.
Also Read: Tottenham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa as De Zerbi chooses Xavi Simons replacement
Kolo Muani, who is naturally a striker, has played as a right winger in recent games, with Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, and Dejan Kulusevski out due to injuries.
Tottenham need Kolo Muani to step up
Most Spurs players have struggled this season, which is why they are in the Premier League relegation zone.
However, players like Kolo Muani have disappointed the most as they are experienced international stars. The 27-year-old is also expected to be in France’s squad for the FIFA World Cup after Hugo Ekitike’s injury.
However, even aside from the goal contributions, Kolo Muani’s performances for Tottenham have been poor. He has been unable to connect with his fellow attackers, often taking heavy touches or making wrong decisions.
Also Read: Unai Emery confirms big Aston Villa injury blow ahead of Tottenham clash
With just four games remaining and three fit attackers, Spurs cannot afford to have weak links in their squad.
Kolo Muani’s performance, notably, also affects Pedro Porro’s performance on the right wing. He has zero goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. Tottenham need him to step up in the remaining games to stand a chance of survival.
