With Dominic Solanke injured and Xavi Simons out until 2027, Tottenham’s Premier League survival now rests on the experienced shoulders of Richarlison for the trip to Villa Park.Tottenham Hotspur finally secured a massive, hard-fought result against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, that victory came with a bitter taste as Dominic Solanke was subbed off before half-time, leaving a massive void ahead of the clash with Aston Villa.This, combined with the devastating news that Xavi Simons is out around eight months with an ACL injury, has left Roberto De Zerbi in emergency mode. The creative heart of the team has been ripped out just as Spurs face a hostile atmosphere at Villa Park.With Simons facing a long road to recovery and Solanke sidelined, the frontline is now a canyon. Tottenham must rely on Richarlison to lead the line and provide the clinical edge needed to upset Unai Emery’s side.His cameo against Wolves was the spark De Zerbi needed to see before this away trip. Despite limited minutes, his impact was measurable. According to FotMob, the Brazilian managed to change the game’s dynamic with clinical efficiency.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramRicharlison’s Tottenham impact shows a glimmer of hopeRicharlison’s stats against Wolves, as highlighted by FotMob, show a player ready for the intensity of Aston Villa vs Tottenham. In just 50 minutes of action, he registered the following key contributions:Assists: 1 (The match-winner)Chances created: 1Big chances created: 1Defensive contributions: 3Touches: 19 (Including 1 in the opposition box)Looking at his broader Premier League campaign, he has already proven he can score in big away games. Richarlison exploded in August with a clinical brace against Burnley and has netted crucial goals against the likes of Arsenal and United.With 9 league goals this season, he is the only senior reference left to lead the Spurs attack. His experience in the Champions League this term, including goals against PSG and Atletico Madrid, will be vital in the high-pressure environment of Villa Park.While he has faced injury demons, his 2,000+ minutes across all competitions show a level of durability that young prospects simply cannot match yet in a relegation battle. He must be the focal point this weekend.Brazil frustration can fuel Richarlison’s Spurs survival pushWhile much has been said about his role with Brazil, this should be viewed as fuel for his fire. From scoring the best goal of the tournament against Serbia in the last World Cup, his journey since 2022 has been a calvary of injuries, including groin surgery and persistent calf issues.These setbacks saw him miss the Copa America and fall behind in Ancelotti’s hierarchy, trusting Igor Thiago or Endrick. He now has a massive point to prove. He isn’t just playing for Spurs’ survival; he is playing to reclaim his global reputation.With the relegation battle on the horizon and the immediate threat of Villa Park, his “street fighter” mentality is non-negotiable. He knows how to “suffer” in these scraps from his time at Everton.He is no longer a rotation option. With Simons and Solanke out, Richarlison is the reference point for the entire club. It is time for the ‘Pombo’ to deliver a career-defining performance at Aston Villa.READ MORE – Should Tottenham change formation against Aston Villa? The pros and consThe post It's finally time for Richarlison to carry the weight of Tottenham's attack on his shoulders - Opinion appeared first on Spurs Web.