Tottenham Hotspur were defeated 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7, but the decisive moment came long before the final whistle. Cristian Romero’s red card in the 29th minute shifted the momentum entirely, leaving Spurs with too much to do.
The Argentine defender was dismissed by Michael Oliver after a clumsy challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. Reduced to ten men, Tottenham struggled to regain control and slipped to their tenth Premier League defeat of the season.
The red card follows a week of controversy that has intensified scrutiny on the Spurs captain. Earlier in the week, Romero lamented the club’s squad building, saying: “we only had 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful.” While some supporters viewed the post as a display of leadership, the brash nature of the comment may have done more harm than good.
Cristian Romero Red Card: Is he is Becoming Too Much of a Risk?
Not The First Time This Season
Romero is well-known for his front-foot defending, often rescuing Tottenham in dangerous moments. Yet this is not the first time his aggression has come at a cost.
The Argentinian was sent off in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in December and missed a 2-1 loss to Fulham through suspension. His disciplinary record is a recurring issue.
His social media post was not the first this season either. After a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in January, Romero posted a cryptic message aimed at individuals who “only show up when things are going well to tell a few lies.” The post was later deleted, but the message was clear enough to fuel speculation.
That tendency to lean into volatility threatens to create instability within an already fragile environment.
What This Means for the Future
With Romero receiving a straight red card, he will be handed a three-game suspension. His absence is not ideal in any circumstance, but Tottenham are in the midst of an injury crisis. With Kevin Danso and Ben Davies out, replacing him will be a difficult task for Thomas Frank.
Speculation around Frank’s position has been common in recent months. Romero is now set to miss challenging upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Arsenal and Fulham. Poor results in those matches could cost Frank his job before Romero returns.
Regarding social media, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank confirmed: “the matter has been dealt with internally.” Romero’s antics are doing no favours to his under-pressure manager. Following this defeat, the Dane will need unity in the dressing room, and critical posts represent the exact opposite.
Verdict
Tottenham were in the game with Romero on the pitch. Six goals this season demonstrate his importance beyond defending. Spurs are stronger with him in the side.
While Romero provides much needed leadership, it must be controlled. Aggression and honesty are strengths, but only when channelled correctly.
If Tottenham are to improve on a disappointing season, they need their captain available and composed. Romero’s influence is undeniable. The question is whether it is becoming too unpredictable.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Depositphotos
