Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7. The turning point in the match occurred early when Cristian Romero received a red card in the 29th minute, impacting Spurs’ chances significantly.
Romero was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after a reckless challenge on United’s Casemiro. With ten players, Tottenham struggled to regain control, marking their tenth defeat in the Premier League this season.
This red card adds to the scrutiny surrounding Spurs’ captain. Earlier, Romero criticized the club’s squad depth, stating, “we only had 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful.” While some saw this as a bold leadership statement, others believed it could backfire.
Cristian Romero Red Card: Is He Becoming a Liability?
Not His First Offense This Season
Romero is known for his aggressive defending, but this season his style has led to disciplinary issues. He was previously sent off in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool in December and missed another match due to suspension.
This isn’t the first controversial post from him this season. After a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in January, he shared a message targeting those who “only show up when things are going well.” Though it was deleted, it raised eyebrows among fans.
Such behavior could be destabilizing in an already tense situation.
Implications for the Future
Romero’s red card means a three-game suspension. With the team facing injury challenges, filling his position will be tough for manager Thomas Frank.
Frank’s job has come under scrutiny lately. Romero’s absence during crucial upcoming matches against Newcastle, Arsenal, and Fulham could lead to even more pressure on Frank if results are poor.
In a recent press conference, Frank said the issue regarding Romero had been addressed internally. The posts are not helping his situation, as unity in the squad is crucial at this time.
Conclusion
While Tottenham was competitive with Romero on the field, his six goals show his overall importance to the team. Spurs perform better with him in the lineup.
Romero’s leadership is valuable, but it needs to be more controlled. Aggression can be an asset when managed properly. For Tottenham to turn their season around, they require a calm and available captain like Romero. The challenge is determining if he can maintain that balance.