Tottenham fans now have a new hero at the club in the shape of Richarlison de Andrade. Having a goal chalked off for offside last weekend following an impressive full debut against Fulham, Spurs' new signing delivered when it mattered most in the Champions League.
Struggling to find a way past Marseille despite the visitors having Chancel Mbemba sent off not long after the restart, the Lilywhites needed someone to step up to the plate and help them secure all three points on their Champions League return. Fourteen minutes from time Richarlison did exactly that to spark wild scenes inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Managing to lose Eric Bailly to gain a couple of yards of space, the Brazilian powerfully headed home Ivan Perisic's inviting cross much to the relief of Antonio Conte and all those watching on. Five minutes later he had his second of the game, once again heading emphatically into the net after this time Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg picked him out with a pinpoint delivery.
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The man for the big occasion at Everton, he could well be set to take on the same role at Tottenham. It was a hugely emotional night for the player as he finally realised his dream of playing in the Champions League.
Emotional after netting his goals, the tears flowed at the full-time whistle as he went over to see his dad down by the touchline and the pair embraced for a short period of time. What had just taken place had clearly hit home and he couldn't hold back the tears any longer.
After joining from Everton in a £60million move at the start of July, the 25-year-old outlined his Champions League ambitions in his first interview with the club, notably admitting that he could cry because it would be a such a special moment for him.
"It's a dream isn't it? I was commenting with my friends that the TV gave us goosebumps just listening to the theme song. So now I can be inside the stadium, listening to that music," he explained.
"I always said it was my dream to play in the Champions League, and now this dream will come true. Maybe I can cry because it will be a special moment to be there playing in the Champions League which I only watched on TV.
"Until last year I was there on the sofa in my house watching the Champions League, and I said it was time to play there. All the players dream of playing in this great competition, so I think when the time comes I'll be quite emotional because it's a big competition and all the players want to play there."
Conte even referenced Richarlison's Champions League comments in his post-match press conference when asked about the player. The words certainly struck a chord with the Spurs head coach and he made sure he mentioned them to the attacker in a pre-match chat ahead of the game.
"I’m very happy for Richi. He deserved to have a night like this," stated Conte. "I remember when we signed him he said I can’t wait to hear the Champions League music and play in this competition. Not many words but important words for me.
"Today, I remembered this and I said to him, Richi I remembered what you said, this is your chance and you deserved this. Enjoy this and try to do your best. He did his best, and he helped us get three points in a difficult game."
A special night for all connected with Tottenham on their Champions League return after 30 months away from the competition, it was a night Richarlison will never ever forget. Realising a dream with his double against Marseille and getting so emotional in the process, hopefully he will be able to achieve all of his other ambitions with Tottenham over the coming years.
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