5 talking points as Richarlison sparks Spurs comeback and Sheff Utd collapse
With 98 minutes on the clock Tottenham Hotspur looked down and out, their unbeaten start to the Premier League season in tatters, on a day where they huffed and puffed but lacked Harry Kane's ability to blow opponents' houses down.
But then Richarlison, on as a subsitute at the end of a week in which he opened up on his off-field struggles, headed an equaliser eight minutes into added time before Dejan Kulusevski pounced to earn an astounding 2-1 win as Ange Postecoglu's impressive start goes from strength to strength.
Until that late drama it looked like Gustavo Hamer had delivered a sucker punch that would have earned Sheffield United their first win back in the top flight. But, just as it looked like Spurs' afternoon would end in defeat, Richarlison rose high to head home James Maddison's corner before Kulusevski then earned all three points with the away side's defence firmly rattled.
It could have been all so different for the Blades but their wait for a first win since returning to the top flight continues. Here are the talking points from north London.
Kane missed for first time
Ignore the result and the late drama for the moment. For 98 minutes Spurs missed Kane acutely for the first time since his departure to Bayern Munich as chances went amiss in the type of match that the England captain has so routinely thrived in.
Spurs created plenty without ever coming that close to scoring. James Maddison was tirelessly creative, Son Heung-min worked hard, Kulusevski kept trying his luck and debutant Brennan Johnson found the net from an offside position before the added time heroics. But at that point from two dozen attempts there was no goal.
They were incensed by a number of decisions made by referee Peter Bankes and a couple of interminable VAR checks, neither of which saw the initial decision changed, fed into the anger.
But irrespective of the officiating, Spurs simply lacked the cutting edge against an opponent whose ability to soak up pressure was commendable if not particularly easy on the eye. The ref's only positive decision all afternoon from a home supporters' point of view were the 12 minutes he added on at the end - and that enabled them to turn it all around.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Son Heung-Min was unable to break the deadlock on a day when Spurs had two dozen attempts but failed to make any count.)Richarlison return
It was the scriptwriter's dream. The Brazilian opened up about his emotional struggles earlier this week while on Brazil duty, saying that he plans to see a psychologist for help, and when sprung from the bench as part of a triple substitution he was afforded a noisy ovation from the Tottenham fans - and not just because he was one of their best chances of getting back into the game.
Things have not gone as hoped for the former Everton goalscorer since he arrived at Spurs last year, scoring just one league goal before his leveller. Yet to write him off would be foolish. He just needs a couple of goals to rediscover the zest and this was a strong way to begin the rebuilding project.
Spurs switch off - before late reprieve
Tottenham had dominated, huffing and puffing from early but never able to break the Blades down, and faced little to bother them defensively.
But Postecoglu will fume at the manner in which they switched off for Hamer’s goal. It came from a long-throw directed towards Oli McBurnie near the penalty spot. He could only glance his head at the ball but the Spurs players around him were slow to react and Hamer arrived with exquisite timing to send his first-time effort past an outstretched Vicario.
It was a fine goal from a Sheffield United perspective but above all it capitalised on a slip in concentration from their hosts.
Blades lack of depth covered up
Heckingbottom arrived in north London with eight players absent through injury and that meant he was unable to fill his substitutes’ bench. But it did not affect the game plan until the death as they sat deep and tried, occasionally, to counterattack.
The gamesmanship of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, who milked every second possible with the ball in his hands, was a massive help. He walked along a tightrope having been booked approaching the interval but just about stayed on the right side of referee Bankes, whose decisions merely added to the fury of the home fans.
Bissouma back to best
Yves Bissouma looks a man transformed under Postecoglu. He was exceptional in the centre of midfield again having fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte last season, with the Italian questioning his ability to absorb tactical instructions.
No such issues now as he buzzes around, making an impact off the ball and on it - his driving runs forward causing Sheffield United some problems when they were handling other threats comfortably.
Throughout the season others will command more headlines but if Spurs are to have a successful campaign then the Mali international will be key.
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