Richarlison has had to be very patient indeed for his opportunity in the Tottenham starting XI to come his way. Last starting a game for the Lilywhites in the thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United back in November, the Brazilian finally got the nod from the off in Sunday's 2-0 victory against West Ham.
Injury has not helped his cause since the West Yorkshire club visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, notably missing four games following the resumption of domestic football in December and also having to make do with minutes off the bench since returning from the hamstring issue he sustained at the World Cup. Only a matter of time before he was brought back into the side with others struggling, his inclusion came at the expense of Son Heung-min after the South Korean's recent woes in front of goal.
A huge game for the player as he looked to make his case to Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini following such a frustrating start to life in north London, the ex-Watford man, as he always does, put himself about and tried to make life incredibly difficult for the visitors in such an important encounter for both. Involved early on with his pass striking Thilo Kehrer's hand only for the referee and VAR not to give it, it was just before the break when he brought Lukasz Fabianski into life.
