Dominic Solanke wore the captain's armband despite not actually being one of the five Tottenham Hotspur captains named by Roberto De Zerbi before the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season, but maybe that extra bit of responsibility gave Solanke the strength to divert a last gasp header past Senne Lammens to give Spurs a crucial point on the road against fellow Big Six disappointments Manchester United.
Earlier in the game, Solanke flubbed at least two golden opportunities to put his team up 1-0, and despite the late goal, many Spurs fans saw him, yet again, as arguably the biggest disappointment on the entire team. Because Spurs continue to dominate the opposition in terms of chances created and possession, yet they have failed to win their sixth game out of six because of poor finishing - especially Solanke's poor finishing.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has always been a big backer of Solanke's, and after already doubling down on the England international despite his struggles this season, he tripled down on his veteran No. 9 after the draw with Manchester United.
Roberto De Zerbi is insisting on Solanke's quality
De Zerbi told reporters, via The Spurs Web, "There for not too many strikers better than Solanke. Today he was captain because he deserved it, especially in this moment because he suffer because Tottenham didn't score or win any games. He is a great guy, great player and we are behind him."
Tottenham Hotspur fans are not going to feel the exact same way about De Zerbi, but, for better or for worse, he has the power and call the shots, and unless if Spurs can't get a win before October ends, that's not going to change either. Everything is up to him, especially who starts, even if fans want to see new signing Omar Marmoush up top.
But by making these comments after Solanke rebounded with a clutch goal and going so far as to call him one of the best strikers around, Roberto De Zerbi is clamping down on his faith in Solanke, and it looks like Spurs fans can expect more starts from the 2024 Bournemouth signing, including likely next week on Monday Night Football against Premier League newcomers Coventry.
Even if De Zerbi likes him, Solanke is still on a short leash. He has done nothing since joining Spurs to inspire confidence in him as the main striker option, and with De Zerbi on a short leash having no wins, every game should be do or die for Big Dom.
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