Tottenham Hotspur were able to get a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in their first Big SIx matchup of the 2026/27 Premier League season, and while they are still winless, Spurs, once again, outplayed their opponents for most of the match before fading in the second half.
One of the big reasons why they did not put the game away in the first half - or even score at all - despite dominating the ball in the final third is the player starting at the No. 10 again, Conor Gallagher. Tottenham fans had hoped that James Maddison would finally be ready to start his first game since his torn ACL at the end of the 2024/25 season, but Roberto De Zerbi had already doused cold water on those hopes just before the match against Man United.
After this game, Spurs will face Coventry next week on Monday Night Football, and Maddison looks sealed as a starter against his childhood club with an extra couple of days of rest and now another 20 or so minutes on the pitch.
Conor Gallagher isn't good enough, plain and simple
Maddison looked a lot more effective than Gallagher even in just those minutes, as not only did Spurs draw with 10 men with him on the pitch, but he also had three tackles to tie the team lead with right back Archie Gray.
Plus, Conor Gallagher, once again, proved that he is untenable as the No. 10. His decision making was appalling. He fumbled over the ball multiple times in the penalty area to waste great scoring chances, and the weight of his passes to Savio and Mohammed Kudus were dreadful, taking them out of clear scoring opportunities.
Gallagher had four unforced errors to turn the ball over in possession without completing a single dribble. He, like Dominic Solanke, had one key pass and two fouls drawn, but considering how much of the ball Tottenham Hotspur had in the final third, those are actually pretty poor numbers.
While Gallagher has had worse days as the No. 10 for the Lilywhites, that is hardly a convincing defense of his performance, nor does it change the fact that, once again, the former England international proved that he isn't good enough for the job.
James Maddison's return to the Tottenham starting 11 can't come soon enough, and while Roberto De Zerbi may like Gallagher and understandably wants to take things slow with Madders, not only has it been enough time, but Spurs also need him. They need a win.
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