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'Doesn’t really offer anything'- Tottenham duo under fire after Carabao Cup clash; called out for lack of impact

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 12:40 PM ET

Richarlison and Xavi Simons under fire after Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening at the hands of holders Newcastle United. Goals from Fabian Schar and Nico Woltemade sealed the deal for the Magpies at St James’ Park.

Thomas Frank rung changes to his squad in midweek after the 3-0 win at Everton in the Premier League. Richarlison led the Spurs attack against Newcastle and endured a difficult time. The Brazilian has been labouring for weeks now, failing to find the back of the net since the 2-2 draw with Brighton on September 20. This has led to frustration within the Tottenham fanbase, who are also concerned with the lack of Xavi Simons’ impact.

Having signed for big money from RB Leipzig to plug the gap left by James Maddison’s serious knee injury, Xavi Simons has not found his feet in the Premier League. The Dutchman, apart from assisting once, has neither been productive nor been influential in the final third. He has been struggling with the pace and intensity of English football and was largely on the periphery against Newcastle.

TalkSPORT pundit blasts both Richarlison and Xavi Simons vs Newcastle

TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor was mightily unimpressed with both Richarlison and Xavi’s performances in the 2-0 cup defeat to Newcastle. He slammed Richarlison for a total lack of positive impact in Thomas Frank’s side, whilst labelling Xavi as “weak”.

“I was trying to figure which game to watch last night so I watched Spurs in the end and they were ordinary,” Gabriel Agbonlahor said on TalkSPORT live show.

“Simons again, poor. Richarlison, poor. Al, he’s so weak. He spent the whole game on the floor.

“He wants to play number 10, he plays number 10, doesn’t perform. On the left, he can’t take a player on. He’s too weak, doesn’t create enough. Richarlison doesn’t hold the ball up, doesn’t really offer anything again.

“I don’t know how they’re where they are, third in the Premier League, Spurs. This month they’ve got some very tough games, starting on Saturday, Chelsea.”

Richarlison and Xavi must step up

Richarlison has once again proven that he is not up to the level to lead the Tottenham attack week in, week out. His N17 career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, and it is high time the club offloads him. However, until he’s here, the Brazilian has to do more and start scoring goals for his team.

Xavi arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer with high expectations, and it is fair to say that he has not done much to live up to them. There are growing concerns around White Hart Lane that Frank may run out of patience with the 22-year-old if he does not start producing the goods. Eventually, the Netherlands international is expected to come good due to the quality and potential he possesses, but right now, the playmaker must step up and help his side.

Tottenham host Chelsea on Saturday evening, and fans would want to see both Richarlison and Xavi make their presence felt in this spicy London derby.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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