Paul Merson Questions Tottenham’s Striker Situation Despite Old Trafford comeback

Paul Merson believes Tottenham should have prioritised another goalscorer this summer, arguing that the attacking recruitment has not solved the problem of turning promising performances into wins.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, the former England midfielder praised Tottenham’s response in Saturday’s 1–1 draw at Manchester United but questioned Dominic Solanke's and Omar Marmoush's finishing reliability.

His criticism concerns Tottenham’s transfer market choices and their failure to score when controlling matches. Merson felt Tottenham deserved their equaliser at Old Trafford, as Solanke scored in stoppage time after Rodrigo Bentancur’s dismissal.

However, the late goal didn't change his overall feelings. He argued that Spurs needed a centre-forward whose presence would inspire greater confidence when chances appeared, rather than a reaction to being a goal down.

He also questioned whether Marmoush would provide the consistent goal return required, while naming Nicolas Jackson as a player he felt Tottenham should have considered. Merson argues that Tottenham have assembled players capable of creating dangerous opportunities in front of goal but lack the finishing certainty he believes they need.

Roberto De Zerbi’s public assessment of Solanke has been more supportive. After the United match, the Tottenham head coach defended the striker’s quality and said making him captain was meant to show confidence after criticism of his performances.

De Zerbi also identified Solanke's physical condition and confidence as areas for improvement. His decision to give him the armband showed that he considers the forward an important part of the team’s response to its difficult start.

Simply adding another forward would not automatically resolve every attacking problem. Equally, faith in the existing players needs to be supported by goals and results. Tottenham have continued to struggle to find a consistent goalscorer since Harry Kane left for FC Bayern. The England Captain, Kane, is the club's all-time top goalscorer. Jimmy Greaves was the club's all-time top goalscorer until 2023. Roberto De Zerbi would love to have a player of either Kane’s or Greaves ' quality at his disposal.

Tottenham Hotspur next host Coventry City on Monday, October 19, before facing Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Before then, the first-team squad travel to Marbella for warm-weather training and take advantage of the break between the United and Coventry fixtures.

De Zerbi hopes that the trip will bring the squad together to form a unit, while hopes rest on Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush to score the goal to secure Tottenham's first league win of the season.