Jamie Carragher Singles out surprise Tottenham star as the reason for Spurs bitter loss
Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back his criticism after the fiery north London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, singling out a particular player for his subpar performance and remarking that this individual has been “very poor all season.” The game, which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was filled with tension, drama, and missed opportunities as both teams fought for dominance in front of a packed crowd. The stakes were high, and tempers flared as referee Jarred Gillett had his hands full, issuing multiple yellow cards during a chaotic first half. Despite the frantic nature of the match, neither side could find the breakthrough early on, with both Tottenham and Arsenal guilty of wastefulness in front of goal.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 68th minute, when Gabriel Magalhães rose high to meet a well-delivered Arsenal corner, directing his header past the Spurs defense and into the net. Arsenal’s lead was the culmination of sustained pressure, and it forced Tottenham to push forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their best efforts and a determined display in the closing stages of the match, Spurs were unable to find a way through Arsenal’s resolute defense. The Gunners held on to secure a crucial 1-0 win, their ninth away victory in just ten Premier League matches during the 2024 season—a remarkable run of form that has kept them firmly in contention for the title.
However, the focus for Carragher was not just on the result, but on the performance of one player in particular: Tottenham’s centre-back Cristian Romero. The former Liverpool defender took to social media during the match to voice his frustration with Romero’s display, calling attention to what he perceived as the Argentine defender’s lackluster form throughout the season. Carragher tweeted bluntly: “Romero’s start to the season has been very poor!” His comment echoed the growing sentiment among some Tottenham fans and pundits, who have questioned Romero’s consistency and decision-making in key moments.
Romero’s struggles are especially notable considering his important role in Argentina’s Copa América triumph during the summer. He was a stalwart for the national team, playing every minute of five out of Argentina’s six matches in the tournament, including the grueling 120-minute final against Colombia, which Argentina won to claim the trophy. Romero’s performances in the Copa América showcased his defensive prowess and physicality, and he was widely regarded as one of the standout players in Argentina’s backline.
Despite his success on the international stage, Romero’s transition back to club football with Tottenham has been anything but smooth. Following a short break after his summer exertions, Romero returned to Spurs in time for the start of the Premier League season. Under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, he has been a mainstay in Tottenham’s defense, playing every minute of every match so far this term. However, despite his regular inclusion in the starting lineup, Romero has struggled to replicate the form that made him such a key player for Argentina. His performances have often been inconsistent, with lapses in concentration and erratic challenges raising concerns about his ability to anchor the defense.
The north London derby was no exception. Throughout the match, Romero found himself under pressure from Arsenal’s attacking players, particularly during set-piece situations and quick counter-attacks. His inability to effectively marshal the backline and clear the danger during Arsenal’s corner, which led to Magalhães’ decisive header, was a pivotal moment in the game. With Tottenham chasing the game late on, Postecoglou even pushed Romero forward as a makeshift attacking option, hoping that his physicality might provide a late equaliser. However, the gamble didn’t pay off, and Spurs ultimately fell short.
Carragher’s criticism of Romero may reflect broader frustrations with Tottenham’s defensive frailties this season. While the team has shown flashes of attacking brilliance under Postecoglou’s leadership, their defense has often looked vulnerable, particularly against top sides like Arsenal. Romero, as one of the more experienced defenders in the squad, has faced increased scrutiny as the team continues to search for stability at the back. Despite his undoubted talent and past successes, the Argentine defender will need to step up if Tottenham are to solidify their position in the league and compete for European qualification.
In the aftermath of the derby defeat, questions are likely to persist about Romero’s role in the team and whether he can rediscover his best form. Tottenham’s ambitions this season rest on the shoulders of key players like Romero, and his ability to bounce back from this rocky start could be crucial in determining the success of their campaign. As for Carragher’s comments, they are likely to fuel further debate among fans and analysts alike, as the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Romero and Tottenham’s defensive issues.