Tottenham Hotspur were arguably the best team in the Premier League through the first two matches of the season, but that fine work was undone by a woeful performance against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
If it weren't for repeated heroics from Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham would have lost by five instead of one, and they were both a sieve defensively and in midfield. Meanwhile, the attack was completely lethargic, as wingers Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson made back-breaking technicalc and mental errors - paricularly Johnson - and striker Richarlison was missing in action in a sudden disasterclass.
Richarlison has maintained the full backing of Frank this season after rampant summer transfer rumors, and far from it being a case of Tottenham simply towing a company line of unity and supporting Richarlison since they can't sell him due to a lack of interest, it legitimately seems like Frank and the club believe in him.
But after three great games to start the 2025/26 season, Richarlison showed his full flaws against a well-organized Bournemouth side. Despite Dominic Solanke's sudden injury and the Brazilian international's poor display, Frank isn't rattled.
Tottenham need to worry
When asked if Tottenham need a striker at the post-game press conference, Frank said of the current situation, via Football.London's Alasdair Gold, "No, not particularly. To have three strikers in the squad can also cause problems. It's a fine balance. I'm not saying we won't look for another striker in the future but I'm happy with Richy and Dom."
Tottenham fans likely hold a different opinion than their esteemed manager, and many fans wanted Spurs to sign a striker throughout the transfer window. They cooled their cries after watching Richarlison perform well, but over the past couple of seasons since his big-money transfer from Everton, he has failed to be consistent - or healthy.
So Tottenham are taking a big risk going into the 2025/26 season with Richarlison and Solanke as their only options at the 9. Both are expensive strikers capable of playing at a high level when at their best, but there are serious consistency question marks about both, including Solanke, who played well all-around in the Europa League but barely scored in the Premier League last season.
At this point in the transfer market, the window is barren, and the only really notable names on the market still available are long-time Newcastle targets Yoane Wissa over at Brentford and Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.